METHOD OF PRESERVING 
132 
Of the method of preserving these heads, there 
have been various reports, correct in some of the 
details, and equally incorrect in others. The fol- 
lowing account of the process was given me by a 
cliief, who has preserved, and assisted in preserv- 
ing, many, after the various battles in which he 
had been engaged. When the head has been cut 
from the shoulders, the brains are immediately 
taken out, through a perforation behind, and the 
scull carefully cleansed inside from all mucila- 
ginous and fleshy matter. The eyes are then 
scooped out; and the head thrown into boiling 
water, into which red-hot stones are continually 
cast, to keep up the heat. It remains till the skin 
will slip off, and is then suddenly plunged into 
cold water ; whence it is immediately taken, and 
placed in a native oven, so as to allow the steam 
to penetrate into all the cavities of the interior of 
the scull. When sufficiently steamed, it is placed 
on a stick to dry; and again put into an oven, 
made for the purpose, about the dimensions of 
the head. The flesh, which easily slips off the 
bones, is then taken away ; and small sticks are 
employed, to thrust flax, or the bark of trees, 
wuthin the skin, so as to restore it to its former 
shape, and to preserve the features. The nostrils 
are carefully stuffed with a piece of fern-root; 
and the lips generally sewn together; though 
sometimes they are not closed, but the teeth are 
allowed to appear. It is finished by hanging it, for 
a few days, to dry in the sun. Should the head 
