THE ESQUIMAUX. 41 



when I mentioned '^ Shadlermioo*/' he seemed 1824. 

 perfectly acquainted with the name, and^ point- August. 

 ing to the north-west^ said, " they live there." 

 Before my informant left me, I exchanged an 

 ash paddle and some other useful articles for his 

 own oar, which was neatly constructed of se- 

 veral pieces of wood, and edged with ivory. 



During the rest of the day we Avorked up 

 along the coast, which is of bold granite rock, 

 and near it several large bergs were lying 

 aground. Having reached to about eight 

 miles from the North Bluif, we saw other Es- 

 quimaux coming down to us from the north- 

 west ; and six kayaks, with an oomiak con- 

 taining eighteen grown persons and many chil- 

 dren, came along-side, and were taken in tow. 



In the tumult of our trading, I observed 

 that the natives took no heed as to whether 

 the ice struck their boats or not, and I accord- 

 ingly held -one of ours in readinesss to be low- 

 ered in case of accidents. This was scarcely 

 done when all the native boats were actually 

 towed over one poor fellow in consequence of 

 his obstinacy in holding on, although he saw, 

 and had been warned of, his danger. I in- 

 stantly went after him, and all his country- 



* A contemptuous term applied by Esquimaux to any 

 others who are not of their own tribe. 



