166 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



bark. A wall of stones was built round this vast ossuary 

 to preserve it from profanation. Before covering the 

 bones with earth, a few grains of Indian corn were thrown 

 by the women upon the sacred relics. 



According to the superstitious belief of the Hurons the 

 souls of the dead remain near the bodies until the 44 Feast 

 of the Dead ; " after which ceremony they become free, 

 and can at once depart for the Land of Spirits, which 

 they believe to be situated in the regions of the setting 

 sun.* 



* Relations Abregees. 



