[Illustration]
After the bodies were prepared, they were wrapped in bands of fine
linen, and on the inside of these was spread a peculiar kind of gum.
There were sometimes a thousand yards of these bands on a single body.
After they were thus prepared, a soft substance was placed around the
bandaged body. This covering, when it hardened, kept the body in a
complete state of preservation.
[Illustration]
These coverings are now called mummy-cases, and the bodies they inclose,
mummies.
These bodies were finally placed, in huge stone coffins, many of which
were covered with curious carvings.
Some of these mummies have been found, that are said to be over three
thousand years old. However, when the wrappings are removed from them,
many of the bodies have been so well preserved, as to exhibit the
appearance of the features as in life.
Large numbers of these mummies have been carried to other countries and
placed on exhibition in museums.
Among the mummies brought to this country, are some of the best
specimens which have yet been discovered.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.
Pages:
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331