NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 183 



our previous knowledge of their habits in this 

 particular, our further acquaintance with them, 

 for half a year or more, confirmed us in the opin- 

 ion that they loved ardent spirits, and whenever 

 and wherever they could get it, they would drink 

 to excess. 



We found they were no half-hearted, occa- 

 sional, genteel drinkers. They had no idea of 

 making a quantity of spirits continue its enliv- 

 ening and kicking effects through several days 

 and weeks ; but they wanted, and they would 

 have, if furnished with the means, one grand 

 " burst up" one tremendous " spree" and that 

 would end it for the present, until the next sup- 

 ply could be obtained. They went on the prin- 

 ciple that many others tolerate, " they could not 

 have too much of a good thing." 



Some spirits had been brought to the settle- 

 ment, obtained probably by way of traffic from 

 other tribes in the interior, on the borders of the 

 Ochotsk Sea. "When the " fire water " arrived 

 at the settlement, it happened to be in the night 

 time ; and before much, if any, of it was drunk, 

 the head man came to Captain Norton, called 

 him up, and wanted he should " take a little," as 

 a token of his respect for the captain, as was 

 supposed. By morning, many of the natives 

 who had drank to excess were laid away as those 



