514 CHARACTER. 



putrefaction, removes one of our principal inducements to 

 cleanliness, and at the same time induces so great a scarcity 

 of liquid water, as to render washing almost an impossibility. 

 As a general rule, it is impossible to put any dependence 

 on their promises, not so much that they are intentionally 

 deceitful, as on account of the wavering and inconstant dis- 

 position which they possess in common with so many other 

 savages. Among themselves a successful huntsman or fisher- 



o o 



man is always ready to share his seal or walrus with his less 

 fortunate neighbours ; but he expects, as a matter of course, 

 that sufficient return will he made to him when an oppor- 

 tunity occurs. They give away nothing themselves without 

 expecting to receive as much again, and, being unable to 

 imagine any other line of conduct, are naturally very deficient 

 in gratitude. Captain Ross, however, and Dr. Rae consider 

 that the Esquimaux encountered by them were neither un- 

 grateful nor particularly selfish. In other respects also these 

 appear to have been very favourable specimens of the race. 

 Though not cruel, the Esquimaux seem to be a somewhat 

 heartless people. They do not, indeed, feel any actual plea- 

 sure in the infliction of pain, but they will take little trouble 

 to remove or relieve suffering. They are also great thieves; 

 but, as Captain Tarry truly observes,* we must " make due 

 allowance for the degree of temptation to which they were 

 daily exposed, amidst the boundless stores of wealth which 

 our ships appeared to them to furnish." According to Hall,"}- 

 moreover, they are strictly honest among themselves, kind, 

 generous, and trustworthy. 



Tarry thus di-sr.ribes them: " In the few opportunities we 

 had of putting their hospitality to the test, we had every 

 reason to be pleased with them. Both as to food and ac- 

 commodation, the best they had were always at our service; 

 and their att< ntion, both in kind and degree, was everything 



* 1. c. p. 522. t 1. c. vol. ii. p. 312. 



