60 SONGS AND DANCKS. 



the rancid oil and blubber, which they used as 

 perfumes,) they assembled upon deck to dance. 

 The women did not dance, but assisted as mu- 

 sicians. Their song, accompanied by the dull 

 music of the tambourine, consisted of a few 

 hollow and unconnected tones, sent forth at 

 intervals to keep time with the stamping of 

 their feet. The men made the most extraordi- 

 nary motions with their arms and bodies, vary- 

 ing them by high leaps into the air, while 

 showers of feathers fell from their heads. Every 

 dancer retained his own place, but turning con- 

 tinually round and round, gave the spectators 

 an opportunity of admiring him on all sides. One 

 only stood a little'apart ; he was particularly de- 

 corated with ermine-skins and feathers, and beat 

 time for the dancing with a staff ornamented 

 with the teeth of the sea-otter. He appeared 

 to be the director of all the movements. 



At every pause we offered tobacco-leaves to 

 the dancers and musical ladies: both sexes eager- 

 ly seized the favourite refreshment, and cram- 

 med their mouths with it, then recommencing 

 the music and dancing with renewed alacrity. 

 When at length downright exhaustion put an 



