NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 135 



strongly built, muscles fully developed, and capa- 

 ble of great endurance ; and in complexion, cop- 

 per color. Their countenances are far from being 

 prepossessing ; high cheek bones, flat noses, and 

 large mouths. 



A stranger, upon first sight, would be led to 

 infer from their general appearance that they 

 were fierce, cruel, and prepared for any act of 

 barbarity. What they would become, if injured 

 or abused, we had no opportunity of knowing. 

 Nor did we discover in them any unfriendly feel- 

 ings towards other settlements or tribes, whether 

 near or more remote, or that of late years there 

 had been any contention, or fighting, or war be- 

 tween the different tribes in that region. They 

 had instruments of war, such as bows and ar- 

 rows, lances, clubs, &c. ; but they probably need- 

 ed them in destroying the savage beasts, and 

 especially bears, that infest the country. 



We found them kind and hospitable to us, or 

 otherwise we all must have perished. They 

 treated us, we believe, according to their knowl- 

 edge and circumstances, with more than ordinary 

 attention. 



They exhibited love and sympathy towards 

 the members of their respective families, and 

 were particularly affectionate to their children. 



As to their moral character, we could not dis- 



