CKUTSE OF STEAMEE CORWIN IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN. 107 



white men, it is probable that they came originally from the wolf. Indeed the resemblance is so 

 strong now that many dog-skins were brought on board by the natives, for sale as wolf-skins, and 

 in one or two cases the cheat was successful. Mr. Skeoch, one of the members of the Parry expe- 

 dition in search of a northwest passage, made a skeleton of one of these animals and found the 

 number of all the vertebras to be the same as that of the wolf. They usually bring forth six or 

 seven at a litter. The young grow rapidly, and are soon put in training for the harness ; until 

 full grown they are taken into the tents in cold weather, and fed and cared for like children. 

 They are harnessed in pairs with a leader. A team cousists of five, seven, or nine dogs, according 

 to the weight of the load to be drawn. With a well-constructed sled and a team of nine dogs, 

 over a comparatively good road, seven hundred pounds should be drawn without difficulty. The 

 harness is made of seal-skin, a strap going around the neck, from which a trace leads to the sled. 

 They show no affection in return for any amount of kindness, and can only be controlled by the 

 lash; and although certain words are used to direct them to the right or left when driven, the 

 command is generally accompanied by a lash from the whip. They are continually fighting among 

 themselves, and from this cause are often lame and covered with scars and wounds. 



Though many are his bad qualities, the Innuit dog fills his station in life admirably. His long 

 hair and close, thick undercoat of wool enable him to stand the coldest weather without injury, 

 and even on the legs where this wool does not grow the hair is so close and fine that the cold 

 cannot affect them. Parry says, " We have seen a young puppy sleeping with his fore paws laid 

 on an ice anchor, with the thermometer 3° below zero." Their sense of smell being very acnte, 

 they are sometimes trained to assist their masters in discovering game. It is said they greatly 

 fear the wolf aud will not attack or give chase to him. 



The Innuits build their houses near together for mutual protection and assistance in hunting 

 and capturing whales, walrus, &c. ; but although associated together in this way they have no 

 hereditary chiefs or rulers. There is, however, one in each settlement who is regarded as a leader. 

 This may be on account of his strong will or his success in hunting and fishing. I could not learn 

 that this leader, whom they call omalik, has any vested rights other than the social distinction, 

 and the privilege of giving gratuitous advice on all occasions, which license it is presumed the 

 Innuits enjoy in common with the rest of the human family. They have only such special 

 privileges as their prowess can command or their bounty purchase. The omalik at Point Hope is 

 self-appointed and controls his band by force of arms. He is well armed, a good shot, and quick 

 to act. He has two wives who take turn in keeping guard while he sleeps, to give warning of the 

 approach of dauger. It is said that he has killed several of the band, and the rest appear 

 thoroughly cowed. Although a terror to his own people he is friendly to the whites, aud appears 

 anxious to possess their good will. Of course it is only a question of time when some Innuit will 

 kill him. The attempt will hardly be made, however, until he becomes less wary, as failure means 

 death to the one that makes the attempt. And although the custom of exacting blood for blood 

 prevails, it does not seem to be necessary iu order to avenge the death of a relative that an Innuit 

 should run any risk to his own life. There is no haste, and he generally waits until vengeance 

 can be accomplished in safety. The following reference to the Cape Hope Innuits, which I made 

 in my note-book at the time, illustrates some traits of their character: 



"We went on shore to examine their houses and learn something of their mode of living. Mr. 

 Nelson, who was ever on the alert for anything of etymological interest, took his camera and a 

 small package of trade goods. Upon reaching the settlement Nelson established himself under 

 the lee of a turned-up oomiac near the shore, and signified through the interpreter his desire to 

 buy any old worthless things they might possess. A general raid was made on the old collections 

 or rather accumulations of the settlement. Carved images, drill bows (for making fires), and 

 implements of various kinds, made of ivory and stone, were brought out and offered for sale by 

 the natives, each trying to be the first to trade, as if afraid the supply of beads, calico, tobacco, 

 &c, would not hold out, or that the market for articles of native manufacture might be over- 

 stocked. Each article offered was taken by Nelson and examined, and if of any value as a 

 specimen the interpreter was told to ask what was wanted iu return, and upon being told what 

 the native most wanted a fair quantity was given. This was generally satisfactory, but the 

 slightest show of eagerness on the part of the buyer run the price up out of all reason. A very 



