158 GS FINLAND. 



flying as leisurely as if it had been the hottest day expe- 

 rienced by any of their species. These same birds built 

 tneir nest and bred in lat. 72 N., showing an instance of 

 a bird which breeds both in arctic and tropico-temperate 

 climates. Those which we now disturbed from their 

 feast flew lazily away, and settled on a rock a few yards 

 from us, evidently looking upon us as intruders, and 

 patiently waiting our departure. 



A few words about the Eskimo dog, which has been here 

 mentioned for the first time. This animal, whose services 

 are indispensable to the inhabitants of Northern Green- 

 land, is not unlike our shepherd's dog in its general aspect, 

 but is more muscular, and has a broader chest, owing, 

 in a great measure, to the hard work it is inured to. The 

 ears are pointed, and, with its long muzzle, serve to 

 increase the wolfishness of its appearance. An ordinary 

 well-grown dog will be somewhat smaller than a New- 

 foundland dog, but broad, like a mastiff. The coat of 

 this dog consists of long hair, and in the winter it is 

 further protected by a soft, downy under-covering, which 

 does not appear during the warm weather. 



Their education begins at a very early age. When 

 about two months old, eight or ten puppies are harnessed 

 to a sledge with two experienced runners, and by means 

 of frequent and cruel beatings, and angry repetitions of 

 their names, they are taught their duty, but not without 

 much hard labour on the driver's part, and great patience. 

 Personal experience has taught me some of the peculiar 

 difficulties cf managing a puppy-dog team. 



