386 NEAREST THE POLE 



become exhausted and then nothing is left for the man 

 to do, but shift. 



The seal is the Eskimo's staple food. It is also his 

 most valuable resource in that it supplies him with 

 material for clothing, boots, tents, harpoon lines, heat, 

 light, and food for his dogs. Winter is calculated upon 

 as nicely in the northern parts, as in any thrifty com- 

 munity. The Eskimo moderates his appetite during 

 these months of animal hibernation, according to the 

 supplies on hand — cuts the coat after the cloth, as 

 it were. 



One is grieved to note a state of reckless abandon in 

 the matter of dirt. It is quite beyond the comprehen- 

 sion of these simple folk why washing should be con- 

 sidered necessary for the comfort of humans. When 

 we were caught using a tooth-brush, this was too much. 

 We must indeed be a filthy tribe! "If the mouth is 

 unclean, what part of us is clean?" Was ever injured 

 innocence expressed in more sober language? 



In the very water in which a walrus feast is about 

 to be prepared, may often be found the drippings of 

 greasy garments hanging above: or perhaps excited 

 by civilisation, the good woman of the place will take 

 to washing her hands at this moment. 



We despair of ever civilising these people, per- 

 manently While we are in their midst, they seem to 

 be progressing. But out of sight, out of mind — so 

 far as civilisation (and hair- combing!) are concerned. 



"' From many children and little bread, good Lord 

 deliver us." This would seem to be the Eskimo's 

 prayer, for in no family will be found more than six 

 children. Though not lacking in warmth of blood 



