146 THE WHALEMAN ; OR, 



a deposition of this frost from four to six inches 

 during the space of twelve hours. 



A CASE OF POISONING. 



We observed that the natives ate all parts of 

 the bear except the liver. Experience had prob- 

 ably taught them that it was not proper to eat, 

 or, it may be, they had seen the fatal effects of 

 eating it among themselves. 



A bear, during the early part of winter, was 

 brought into the settlement, which the natives 

 had killed. Some of our company concluded to 

 make a mess out of the liver, and invite others 

 to partake of the dainty. It was eaten, and the 

 consequences were nearly fatal to all of us who 

 partook of it. It produced distress in our stom- 

 achs and diarrhoea. 



We find the following in Dr. Kane's " Arctic 

 Explorations : " " When I was out in the Ad- 

 vance, with Captain De Haven, I satisfied myself 

 that it was a vulgar prejudice to regard the liver 

 of the bear as poisonous. I ate of it freely my- 

 self, and succeeded in making it a favorite dish 

 with the mess. But I find to my cost that it 

 may be more savory than safe. The cub's liver 

 was my supper last night ; and to-day I have the 

 symptoms of poison in full measure — vertigo, 

 diarrhoea, and j;heir concomitants." 



