[197] When the body has to be conveyed for a very long distance to the place of cremation, it might be necessary to practise some simple method of embalming, and this any surgeon is capable of performing. In the case of the English lady who was recently taken to Dresden, Mr. Garstin of London was resorted to.
[198] There is no doubt that public mortuaries will soon be established throughout the country, as in some parts of the Continent and in some large English towns now. Sanitary science calls aloud for their establishment generally, and the practice of permitting the dead to remain in the habitable rooms of the poor has proved very repugnant to decency and inimical to public health.
[199] The princes of Tartary use this mountain silk, as it is called, even now.
[200] Frazer.
[201] Wanklyn.
[202] See Plate I.
[203] At the cremation of the body of an English lady at Dresden in October last, arrangements were made for observing the progress of combustion, and this was permitted under the peculiar circumstances. It is not however intended anywhere to practise even a partial exposure, nor would the English pattern of cinerator permit it. When the time needful for reduction has been accurately calculated, such exposure will be unnecessary. With the improved apparatus half an hour will probably be sufficient.
[204] A cubic space of six inches would accommodate the ashes of the strongest man.
[205] This drawing was kindly made for me by my friend Mr. E. F. C. Clarke, architect, of London, whose pencil has also furnished me with the sketch of the family columbarium in Plate V.
[206] The tombs in Magna Græcia and Etruria were subterranean ones, the body being laid upon the ground, and around it were placed the painted vases. The tombs were made to bear as much resemblance as possible to the abodes of the living, and the walls were frequently painted with scenes from the upper world.