Another proof of this custom was observed by Mr. J. D. Middleton and Colonel Morris in Wisconsin, northeastern Missouri, and Illinois.  In numerous mounds the skeletons were found packed closely side by side, immediately beneath a layer of hard, mortar-like substance.  The fact that this mortar had completely filled the interstices, and in many cases the skulls also, showed that it had been placed over them while in a plastic state, and as it must soon have hardened and assumed the condition in which it was found, it is evident the skeletons had been buried after the flesh was removed.

As additional evidence we may mention the fact that in stone graves, so small that the body of a full-grown individual could not by any possible means be pressed into them, the bones of adult individuals are sometimes found.  Instances of this kind have occurred in Tennessee, Missouri, and southern Illinois.

From personal examination I conclude that most of the folded skeletons found in mounds were buried after the flesh had been removed, as the folding, to the extent noticed, could not possibly have been done with the flesh on them, and the positions in most cases were such that they could not have been assumed in consequence of the decay of the flesh and settling of the mound.

The partial calcining of the bones in vaults and under layers of clay where the evidence shows that the fire was applied to the outside of the vault or above the clay layer, can be accounted for only on the supposition that the flesh had been removed before burial.

Other proofs that this custom prevailed among the mound builders in various sections of the country might be adduced.

That it was the custom of a number of Indian tribes, when first encountered by the whites, and even down to a comparatively modern date, to remove the flesh before final burial by suspending on scaffolds, depositing in charnel-houses, by temporary burial, or otherwise, is well known to all students of Indian habits and customs.

Heckewelder says, “The Nanticokes had the singular custom of removing the bones from the old burial place to a place of deposit in the country they now dwell in.” [Footnote:  Hist.  Manners and Customs Ind.  Nations, p. 75.]

The account by Breboeuf of the communal burial among the Hurons heretofore referred to is well known. [Footnote:  Jesuit Relations for 1636.  Transl. in Fifth Ann.  Rept.  Bur.  Ethnol., p. 110.] The same custom is alluded to by Lafitau. [Footnote:  Moeurs des Sauvages, vol. 2, pp. 420-435.] Bartram observed it among the Choctaws. [Footnote:  Travels, p. 516.] It is also mentioned by Bossu, [Footnote:  Travels through Louisiana, p. 298.] by Adair,[Footnote:  Hist.  Am.  Indians, p. 183.] by Barnard Romans,[Footnote:  Nat.  Hist.  Florida, p. 90.] and others.