how long the distance may be, the bier is carried by men all the way.
The usual order of the procession is about as follows: The torchbearers come first. These torches are made by splitting cedar poles into small pieces so they will readily burn but not fall apart. They are about six feet long and lighted at one end. These are not carried for the purpose of giving light, but are dragged on the ground most of the time, being lifted and whirled above the heads of the bearers just often enough to keep them burning. Then comes the master of ceremonies, usually on a horse in case of elaborate funerals. The next in order is the spirit chair, in which the ancestral tablet is carried, and in which the soul of the deceased is supposed to ride. This chair is a part of every undertaker's outfit, and is somewhat on the pattern of the sedan chair which is in common use, though it has its own peculiar shape and size. This is carried by two men going just before the bier. Immediately following the bier are the chief mourners, either walking or in chairs trimmed in white. These are dressed in coarse sackcloth and wear very tall caps of the same material, with a piece like the handle of a basket extending over the top. Following these come other relatives and friends made up of men and boys. Women never take part in the general procession, except slaves, who may often be seen walking by the side of the spirit chair. Before, behind, and on both sides of the procession there are numbers of men and boys carrying lanterns, which are made of many-colored cloth and paper and in many shapes and
