476 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY, 



ing-utensils, as they are usually the last things to go on the sledge 

 and the first things to come off it. 



Dog-sledges are of a smaller size, and the diffei-ent fittings and 

 gear are therefore proportionately small. The driver in a packed 

 sledge usually walks behind, holding on to the back of the sledge with 

 one hand while with the other he uses the whip, which latter has to 

 be kept in constant use. 



A most important auxiliary in sledge-traveling, and one which 

 must not be omitted, is the sledge-sail; by its aid, with a fair wind, 

 the men are greatly relieved in their laborious work of dragging. The 

 mast is extemporized out of two tent-poles which should, if possible, 

 be of bamboo used as sheers, the heads being connected by an iron 

 band, on which is stropped the block through which the halyards are 

 rove ; the heels of the sheers are stepj^ed into a thimble on each side 

 of the sailing-thwart, Avhich is placed across the sledge on top of every 

 thing, immediately over the midship-upright, and is lashed down to 

 the bearers. The object of having it so high is that a loftier sail may 

 be spread. The tent-ropes are used as guys, and a hand lead-line as 

 halyards. Each sledge should have what is called a " store-bag," 

 made of light duck, and containing sail and sewing-needles, a palm, 

 twine, thread, a ball of spun-yarn, two yards of green or blue crape, 

 awls, waxed ends, lucifer matches, record-cases, tent-brush, clothes- 

 brush, and spare wicks for cooking-lamps. 



With an eight-man sledge detached for an extended journey of 

 seven weeks the total weight of the laden sledg;e would be 1,646 

 pounds, being 235 pounds for each of the seven men to drag. \i all 

 the circumstances are favorable. Sir Leopold McCIintock is of opinion 

 that this is not too much ; of course the men must be picked and well 

 trained to sledge-work before setting out. Under no circumstances 

 should this weight be exceeded, or even maintained for more than a 

 very few days. When sledges are traveling in company, one gun 

 each and much less ammunition will suffice. The sledges being pre- 

 pared and every thing in readiness for a start, tlie men are assembled 

 dressed in the following manner: 



1 Flannel or wove woolen frock. spaee. 



1 Thick Guernsey frock. 



1 Loose serge or cloth frock 1 



1 Pair of good duffle (or box cloth lined with flannel) trousers. 



1 Light close duck jumper and trousers as " overalls." 



1 Pair of worsted stockings 1 



1 Pair of wove woolen drawers , 1 



1 Pair of blanket feet-wrappers 2 



1 Pair of wadmill boot-hose 1 



1 Pair of moccasins 3 



1 Pair of mitts 2 



1 Welsh wig ] 



1 Cap, veil, and face-cover. 



1 Comforter. 



1 Pair of colored spectacles. 



1 Pair of canvas boots 2 



