NATIVES OF GREENLAND. 73 



The same propensity exists in the humble Esquimeaux 

 as in the African ; but the desires of the former are finely 

 chastened by a reserve that seems almost peculiar to this 

 people. The tie of consanguinity binds the arctic in- 

 habitant too closely to be unfastened : it is a gordian knot 

 of a texture too refined and complicated to be undone : 

 it is genuine, unsophisticated nature, nursed in the con- 

 tinual presence of all that is dear to existence, and which 

 no temptation can destroy. 



There is not probably a nation on the earth more 

 signalized for urbanity than are the inhabitants of Green- 

 land. To witness the splendour of a London assembly, 

 its luxuries, elegance and grandeur, and (were it possible) 

 to turn the eye the next instant on the little patriarchal 

 circle in an Uskee hut, few common minds would relish 

 the comparison ; yet to any one accustomed to reflect, 

 and to appreciate the happiness of mankind comparatively, 

 on the scale of necessary wants and wishes, the lot of the 

 apparently wretched Greenlander is far from beino- miser- 

 able. In truth, had European luxury and its allurements 

 been withheld, his state would have still remained in 

 aboriginal simplicity and happiness ; and, if any thouo^ht 

 arise to disturb his constitutional tranquillity of mind, it 

 proceeds from a reflection that he wants something from 

 the great wak (it is by this term the Uskee expresses a 

 ship) ; and he will readily barter the last article of dress. 



