38 AN ARCTIC SEPULCHRE. 



his excellent qualities of head and heart; and the 

 suddenness of his death made the impression upon his 

 late associates all the more keenly felt. He had re- 

 tired the night before in perfect health, and was found 

 dead in his berth next morning. To the expedition 

 he was a serious loss. Besides Mr. Sonntag, he was 

 the only member of my party who had been in the 

 Arctic seas, and I had counted much upon his knowl- 

 edge and intelligence. He had served under De Haven 

 in the First Grinnell Expedition of 1850-51, and had 

 brought home an excellent record for fortitude and 

 daring. 



The burial-ground at Upernavik is a sad place for 

 human sepulture. It lies on the hill-side above the 

 town, and is dreary and desolate past description. 

 It is made up of a series of rocky steps, on which lie, 

 covered over with piles of stones, (for there is no 

 earth,) a few rude coffins, — mournful resting-place 

 for those who sleep here their last sleep in the everlast- 

 ing winter. The body of poor Caruthers lies upon a 

 ledge overlooking the sea, which he loved so well, and 

 the beating surf will sing for him an eternal requiem. 



We were detained four days at Upernavik, collect- 

 ing dogs and accumulating the elements of an Arctic 

 wardrobe. This last consisted of reindeer, seal, and 

 dog skins, a quantity of which had been obtained at 

 Proven, and placed in the hands of the native women, 

 to be converted into suitable garments. The boots 

 required the longest time to manufacture. They are 

 made of tanned seal-skin, sewed with sinew, and are 

 " crimped " and fitted to the foot in a very ingenious 

 manner. When properly made they are perfectly 

 water-proof. The boot worn by the half-civilized na- 

 tive women is really a pretty as well as serviceable 



