204 The Sledge Microtome. [ April, 
longer or shorter time, according to the grade of rank held by _ 
the deceased, the flesh was stripped from the bones and buried 
in the sea; the bones were then taken and deposited in caves 
or subterranean vaults, which concluded the ceremony.” 
Aquatic burial, so far as we yet know, was not resorted to in 
the United States save in exceptional instances. 
In regard to the Indians previously alluded to, who disposed 
of their dead on Mount Coffin, Mr. Irving remarks: “ The same 
provident care for the deceased that prevails among the hunting 
tribes of the prairies is observable among the piscatory tribes of 
the rivers and sea-coast. Among the former the favorite horse 
- of the hunter is buried with him in the same funereal mound, and 
¢ 
his bow and arrows are laid by his side that he may be perfectly 
equipped for the “ happy hunting grounds’ of the land of spirits. 
Among the latter the Indian is wrapped in his mantle of skins, 
laid in his canoe with his paddle, his fishing-spear, and other 
implements beside him, and placed aloft on some rock or emi- 
nence overlooking the river, or bay, or lake that he has fre- 
quented. He is fitted out to launch away upon those placid 
streams and sunny lakes stocked with all kinds of fish and water- 
fowl, which are prepared in the next world for those who have 
acquitted themselves as good sons, good fathers, good husbands, 
and, above all, good fishermen during their mortal sojourn.” 
In conclusion I would state that I have simply aimed in this 
paper to briefly review the different forms of sepulture of the 
past and present aboriginal inhabitants of the United States. 
The article is not intended to be exhaustive, as the subject 18 
one which would fill several volumes were it properly treated. 
The examples I have selected are mostly such as are compara- 
tively new or have not as yet attracted general attention. The 
graves of the ancient Pueblos of the western slope have never, I 
believe, been accurately described. 
THE SLEDGE MICROTOME. 
BY CHARLES SEDGWICK MINOT. 
j ken preparation of microscopical sections by free-hand cutting, 
or even with the assistance of the microtomes now in use, 18 
accompanied by great difficulty in producing sections of even 
thickness. In all cases the chief trouble is caused by the irregu- 
lar motion of the knife or razor which is held in the hand, and 
