APPENDIX YII. 265 



size of eiu-lit tons. The Esquimaux can sustain life on a 

 very small quantity of food, and still be cheerful. From the 

 above brief description of the country, it is evident that the 

 Esquimaux must ever remain a huntsman and fisherman. 

 In this way alone can he obtain a livelihood in his sterile 

 country. 



The New-year finds our Esquimaux flocks assembled at the 

 Mission Stations in their winter houses. At this time of the 

 year the attendance at church and school is the best, and the 

 spiritual work of the Mission proceeds regularly. The chief 

 occupation is the capture of the ptarmigan and catching foxes. 

 For the latter, traps are used, and much fatigue is frequently 

 endured, as the traps, which are often placed at a great distance 

 from home, must be visited daily, for fear of their being carried 

 off by wolves. At this season, both men and women are em- 

 ployed by the Mission to cleave wood and clear away snow, for 

 which they receive payment. In February, many of them 

 repair in sledges to the ice along the sea-shore, to catch seals in 

 their kayaks, if they meet with open water ; carrying with them 

 in general, besides their gun, a telescope, to discover the seal at 

 a distance. On these expeditions they are often exposed to 

 danger by the sudden breaking up of the ice. Towards Easter, 

 the boats are repaired or new ones built. During Passion week 

 all make a point of assembling at the Stations. After Easter 

 they usually go inland to hunt reindeer, especially from the 

 northern stations, where the deer abound more than in the 

 south. At the end of June, eggs are gathered on the islands, 

 and the fishing season commences, which lasts till September, 

 when the haddocks are taken. If the weather is wet, great loss 

 often arises from the spoiling of the fish hung up to dry. 

 Salmon and salmon-trout are salted for winter consumption. 

 In October the Esquimaux repair to the Stations for nets to 

 catch seals, and remain there in general till Christmas. This is 

 the chief season for the taking of seals ; at times they are cut 

 off from the sea by the sudden formation of ice in the bays, 

 when they can be shot in great numbers. As is well known, 

 the sledges are drawn by dogs — properly speaking, a species of 



