130 THE WHALEMAN J OR, 



ployed, and in use among them, was the applica- 

 tion of a frosty stone, or piece of ice to the back 

 of the neck. 



Sore eyes were quite prevalent among them, 

 more so in some seasons of the year than in 

 others. This disease is caused by the reflection 

 of sunlight upon an almost boundless surface of 

 snow and ice. The simple remedy, in ordinary 

 cases among them, was in making a slight in- 

 cision with a thorn or some sharp instrument in 

 the flesh, directly between the eyes, so as to draw 

 several drops of blood. The effect of this treat- 

 ment was to reduce the inflammation, and thus 

 carry off the soreness from the eyes. 



In some instances, however, the eyes of the 

 natives had wholly run out. 



BURIAL CEREMONY. 



This, in many respects, was very peculiar, and 

 quite different from the great majority of semi- 

 barbarous or half-civilized tribes and nations. 

 When one dies, a wife, for example, — as this 

 instance did occur in one of the huts, — the 

 following ceremonies were observed to take 

 place : — 



Immediately on the death of the person, or 

 just before death took place, the relatives and 

 friends gathered in the hut, and commenced a 



