oG CORAL AND ATOLLS 



stated intervals, as a part of a regular routine of duty. 

 The period of mourning is determined by a very curious 

 custom. The wicker coffin is carried, and lowered into the 

 grave, by means of a piece of stout rope ; and after the 

 burial, the rope is carefully unravelled, and portions of it are 

 tied about the wrists of all the relatives of the dead person. 

 This rope bracelet is never removed, but, in course of time, it 

 rots through and drops off, and then it is known that the time 

 of sadness is at an end, and the spirit of the departed desires 

 no more mourning. Upon the whole it must be said that a 

 Cocos funeral is a terribly sad and affecting ceremony; the 

 community is so small that each loss is keenly felt ; the 

 relationshi]3 so intimate that all are mourners ; and the sad 

 procession of boats to the island of burial makes the ceremony 

 a painfully impressive one. 



