1852.] OOMIAK CONSTRUCTED. 131 



Taking one runner-sledge as my framework for an oo- 

 111 iak, and two flat sledges for the ends, it will clearly be 

 seen that the rudiments were in a state for completion ; 

 ribs were then brought up at each runner-bearer, rising 

 about one foot above the sledge ; and to this, oomiak- 

 fashion, I formed my gunwale by fom' light spars, two 

 of tough China mahogany, and two bamboos used for 

 yards, for sledge sails : by a little straining these were 

 brought nearly together at each end, and cross-pieces 

 lashed. It was, indeed, to those versed in Esquimaux 

 boat-building, the oomiak, or woman's boat. It only 

 remained to cover this properly ; tin's was effected by 

 the canvas-bottom cloths and Mackintoshes of the tents, 

 so as to form two layers. 



The object was, to convey to the main a party with 

 one day's provision and their sleeping-bags, who would 

 walk on to the ship and forward to us in due time the 

 necessary relief. As the three leading officers of the 

 vessels and twenty-seven persons were thus cut off, I 

 determined to remain alone with my own men and Mr. 

 Loney, sending Commander Richards, Lieutenant Osborn, 

 and any others who could not eat walrus, by the boat. 



He was to have started early the next morning, and 

 his orders were already written ; but as the equinoctial 

 spring-tide here would not occur before 2.30 on Thurs- 

 day, I determined to defer it until that event had passed. 

 To oppose the antipathies of any set of men, is absurd, 

 is making them of too much importance. I dislike 

 pcnimican, never would touch it if I could avoid it, 

 because I consider that it is, to me, unwholesome food ; 

 many of my crew also refused it for some time : I con- 

 ic 2 



