94 FISH HARVESTING. 



the candlestick, literally a stick for the candle, 

 consists of a bit of wood split at one end, with 

 the fish inserted in the cleft. 



These ready-made sea-candles little dips 

 wanting only a wick that can be added in a 

 minute are easily transformed by heat and 

 pressure into liquid. When the Indian drinks 

 instead of burning them, he gets a fuel in the 

 shape of oil, that keeps up the combustion with- 

 in him, and which is burnt and consumed in 

 the lungs just as it was by the wick, but only 

 gives heat. It is by no mere chance that myriads 

 of small fish, in obedience to a wondrous instinct, 

 annually visit the northern seas, containing with- 

 in themselves all the elements necessary for sup- 

 plying light, heat, and life to the poor savage, 

 who, but for this, must perish in the bitter cold 

 of the long dreary winter. 



As soon as the Indians have stored away the 

 full supply of food for the winter, all the fish 

 subsequently taken are converted into oil. If we 

 stroll down to the lodges near the beach, we shall 

 see for ourselves how they manage it. The fish 

 reserved for oil-making have been piled in heaps 

 until partially decomposed ; five or six fires are 

 blazing away, and in each fire are a number 

 of large round pebbles, to be made very hot. 



