[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. It is likely enough that whenever cremation is again practised, urns will form the chosen receptacles of the ashes. Vases or urns have always been associated with sepulture in classical times. The finest vases which have come down to us from antiquity were not originally intended for sepultural purposes, but for the adornment of the mansion. Frequently, however, these were deposited in the tombs along with the unburnt body,[206] as being the objects most valued by the deceased when living. The survivors doubtless held it as sacrilegious to make use of these favourite objects, for they are found unmolested even now. [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. It is worthy of remark that amongst the Ojibois Indians of the present day the canoe, gun, and blanket, which are laid upon the grave of each one of the tribe, although newly purchased, are never made use of again, nor ever stolen.[207] Many other Indian tribes observe the same custom;[208] and the Moldavians and the Caubees as well.[209] [207] A. P. Reid. [208] Nicolo di Coti. [209] J. E. Price. The custom of depositing the painted vases in tombs ceased about the time when Italy and Sicily fell completely under Roman dominion. The Romans, who burnt their dead, deposited their ashes in urns, as we have seen. No ashes, it may be said generally, have been found in the Greek tombs of Italy, but the Romans made use of the vases found in tombs made by the Greeks there, as cinerary urns for their dead; and this appropriation was not uncommon. In the case of a member of the Roman family of Claudia an ancient Egyptian vase, now in the Louvre, was utilised in this manner.