Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/350

292 On the 7th we passed Corpse Island and Coffin Mount of Vancouver, positions deriving their names from being the burial places of the numerous Indians which once frequented these banks during the salmon season.

It is the custom of these tribes to bury each individual in a canoe; and according to his wealth so are they laden with his worldly goods; care being taken to render the greater part of the utensils, as copper kettles, &c., useless, by driving an iron bar through the bottom. The bodies are wrapped closely in mats, but I could not ascertain whether they make use of any particular preparation.

BURIAL CANOE.

Great secrecy is observed in all their burial ceremonies, partly from fear of Europeans; and as amongst themselves they will instantly punish by death any violation of the tomb, or wage war if