168                ORIGIN OF THE

where they are to remain always. But I forgot to men-
tion that all these marches are made to the sound of their
instruments, accompanied with their best voices, and
that every one in these marches keeps time to the music.
  " This last and common burial place is a great pit,
which they line with their finest furs and the best things
they have. The presents designed for the dead are set
by themselves. By degrees as the procession arrives,
each family ranges themselves on a kind of scaffold set
up round the pit; and the moment the bones are laid in,
the women renew their weeping and wailing. Then
all present go down into the pit, and every one takes a
little of the earth, which they keep carefully. They
fancy it procures luck at play. The bodies and the
bones, ranged in order, are covered with entire new furs,
and over that with bark, on which they throw stones,
wood, and earth. Every one returns to his own cabin;
but the women come for several days after, and pour
Sagamitty on the place."



FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE CORIAKS, TONGUSI,
                AND KAMSCHADALES.

  We are told by several travellers that mourning for the
dead is common among the various tribes that inhabit
Siberia; and that they have their funeral ceremonies,
which are very ridiculous. They meet their fate with
a degree of fortitude which is inspired by hopes of be-
ing rendered more happy after their departure from
this world. Whenever the dying person breathes his
last, they dress the corpse in the finest robes they can
procure. Their presents to the deceased are also innu-
merable. In carrying their dead bodies to the grave,
women are hired to weep, mourn, and sing melancholy
airs. The corpses are, however, exposed for several
days on scaffolds before they are interred.  " The