CHAPTER XVI.

A SHORT TRIP.

ee doctor finished his story, and then Uncle Nat informed the
boys that he had planned for a short trip out of the city.

One interesting spot they visited was a Japanese cemetery.

“The Japanese pay much attention to the resting-places of their
dead,” remarked the doctor. “They are neat, and they try to make
them beautiful, also. Here come some women.”

These, as the doctor spoke, came forward, and taking old bouquets
out of bamboo flower-holders on the pedestals of the tombs, put fresh
ones in their places. | The monuments in the cemetery were of various
- shapes Some were simply square stone pillars, and others ege-shaped.

“Don’t they sometimes burn their dead bodies?” asked Uncle Nat.

“Yes; what we term cremation is often practiced, and is the most
common way of disposing of the dead. Afterwards, their ashes are
collected, deposited in an urn, and this is placed in the cemetery, and
a stone erected above,” replied the doctor.

“And do people have a new name given them after death?”

asked Ralph; “I have read so.”
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