NATIVES OF GREENLAND. 53 



generally estimated as domestic comfort. So far as the 

 mere necessaries of life are considered in relation to this, 

 the Palais Royal is perhaps as scanty as the hut of the 

 Esquimeaux. The Tartar who bestrides his dinner, which, to 

 save time and cookery, is placed within his saddle skirts, 

 looks to an enjoyment of relish equally fine to his taste as 

 the double repast of turtle is to the Liverpool merchant. 

 EmbroAvned in his dreary retreat, the Greenlander feels no 

 inconvenience, unless the accidental severity of the weather 

 forbid his accustomed seal-hunting ; and should this blessing, 

 with the other casualties of his better fortune, come oppor- 

 tunely and in plenty, it may be very truly asserted, that he 

 envies not the lot of any fellow mortal. 



The influence of climate has been frequently referred to 

 as a scource of those distinctions that mark the various 

 tribes of mankind. No person in the present period will 

 venture, one would suppose, to produce another Adam as 

 the progenitor from whom the coppery savage of America 

 would claim a distinct descent, rather than attribute his 

 singular complexion and warlike character to the influence 

 of local circumstances. The wants and hardships which his 

 forefathers have known, and the severe but necessary ex- 

 ertions to overcome those difficulties, must have produced 

 strong and permanent constitutional effects, growing more 

 into character by succeeding years, and on its transmission 

 to posterity always increased. As an exposition of this prin- 



