NATIVES OF GREENLAND. 61 



term in the language just mentioned is the word cunnus, 

 signifying woman, the " belli teterrima causa " of the satirist. 

 The reader will probably be somewhat surprised to find a 

 simihar term in use among the Greenlanders. The Uskee 

 tells you that the name of his wife is cuna. Besides, the 

 old Latin word cunabula, cradle, has a relative term in 

 the lansuase of the Uskee-me, cuna-bla-bush, coitus. 



Taking notice, therefore of the word asqua, water, and 

 applying it to the term Uskee, it requires \'ery little aid 

 of the imagination to find a close analogy. This analogy 

 is supported by the fact, that, these people are nowhere 

 found but in the vicinity of water. From it they draw 

 subsistence : and its presence must be ever foremost in their 

 thoughts, and natmally lead them to designate their nation 

 peculiarly by some term, in which water must bear a pro- 

 minent share. The adjunct of me gives additional force 

 to this observation, as the moment an Uskee-me makes 

 his appearance amongst them, though previously an entire 

 stranger, he is hailed with joy by this name, and is there- 

 fore entitled to all the rights of hospitality. 



Before we come to speak of their manners and customs, 

 it may not be amiss to attempt an inquiry as to their 

 original residence. In this respect, it is best to consider 

 them exclusively as fishermen, as they are seldom known 

 to stray a day's journey from the shore inland. It is true, 

 indeed, they sometimes go in pursuit of deer ; but as on 



