NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 193 



A large walrus skin was prepared with holes 

 made in the border of it, as near as possible for 

 the men to stand side by side, taking hold of the 

 skin, lifting it up a foot and a half from the 

 ground, and drawing it tight. An individual 

 who wished to try his or her skill in jumping 

 would get upon this skin. By his exertion, and 

 that of the men who held up the skin, he would 

 jump to a great height; and as he came down, 

 he would meet the upward motion of the skin, 

 which would cause a sudden rebound to the 

 jumper. This process would continue until the 

 individual who was trying his skill in jumping 

 was brought down upon his knees, and then 

 there would be a great shout and laughter. 

 Another would then take his place upon the skin. 



This amusement was shared in mutually, both 

 by men and women. Occasionally we would 

 try our skill in jumping. Those most expert 

 among the natives, and especially among the 

 women, would for a long time maintain their 

 standing upon their feet, notwithstanding the ef- 

 forts of those who held the skin to get them 

 down upon their knees. 



VEGETATION. 



Of vegetation in the arctic region we can say 

 but little. In the valleys, and along shore, there 

 13 



