CRUISE OF STEAMER CORWIN IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN. Ill 



tion, being a good interpreter, a good driver, and in every way thoroughly reliable, accompanying 

 the sledge expedition along the Siberian coast. Although owing to the lateness of the season the 

 journey was a remarkably hard one, he made no complaint, but plodded along by the side of his 

 dogs, urging them forward by words and blows, and when stalled in the deep soft snow and sludge, 

 taking hold of the lines and drawing with them, and when resting, standing guard while the others 

 slept to prevent the half-famished dogs from devouring their harness and everything within reach. 



As we approached Marcus Bay on our return I sent for Joe for the purpose of paying him for 

 his services and for the loss of his dogs. Assuring him that I was very much pleased with the 

 manner in which he had performed his duties, both ou board the vessel and while on the sledge 

 journey, I asked what he desired in payment, and received for answer, " Anything you like." 

 Laying out what I considered a fair compensation, consisting of twelve sacks of flour, a musket, a 

 quantity of powder, shot, lead, caps, calico, drilling, &c, I asked if he thought that was sufficient; 

 "Yes, I suppose so," Joe replied, with a grunt. Thinking that he did not look altogether satisfied, 

 I added several other articles — a hatchet, knife, some tobacco, needles, thread, &c., but as these 

 had no other apparent effect than to make him look more displeased as each article was added, 

 I gave up the attempt to elicit any outward show of gratification. Soon after, we reached the 

 anchorage at Marcus Ray, where we were to part with him. Remembering the amount of feeling 

 manifested by Joe and his wife at parting, we expected some show of rejoicing at his sate return, 

 and no little interest was felt by all to know what form the expected exhibition of Tchuktchi affec- 

 tion would assume; and as the oomiac approached in which Mrs. Joe was recognized all waited 

 intent upon witnessing the meeting. But to the astonishment of all they exchanged neither word 

 nor glance, and, so far as we could see, no sign of recognition. Although unable to entirely con- 

 ceal their grief at parting, the joy at meeting which they undoubtedly felt was stoically hidden. 

 Joe passed into the oomiac the articles which had been given to him, and his wife assisted in 

 receiving and stowing them away. With a grunt, which was no doubt intended as a parting saluta- 

 tion, Joe left the vessel, and taking a seat in the oomiac paddled away for the shore, not, however, 

 without a feeling of regret ou my part at the loss of so true a man as he had proved to be. 



The Inuuits show some taste in drawing and readily understand the use of charts and maps, 

 and when explaining the trend of a coast-line, or the course of a river, it is no unusual thing for 

 them to take a pointed stick and trace it on the ground. They often keep a record of events by 

 carving on ivory. The ivory is cut into strips of perhaps 1 foot in length by 1 inch in width and 

 half an inch in thickness. These are used as handles for the kantags, and bows for the tire drills, 

 for which the natural curve of the walrus tusk particularly fits them. Although these "bows" 

 often contain carvings having reference to events covering a series of years, perhaps a life-time, 

 they attach but little value to them, and readily dispose of them for a trifle. At Cape Blossom I 

 purchased two from an old man for a few hands of tobacco. These contain, among other things, 

 carvings representing the vessels of the Western Union Telegraph Service, which were sent north 

 in 1865 for the purpose of laying a cable across Bering Strait. The men belonging to the expedi- 

 tion on shore, and the houses erected by them, are also graphically shown. 



A knowledge of the traditions of the Innuits can only be obtained by a long residence among 

 them. There are many obstacles to be encountered and overcome iu the pursuit of knowledge in 

 this direction. 



First, a superstitious dread which the natives have of mentioning them. They are told to the 

 children from a sense of duty, and occasionally are related in the presence of all, as they are 

 collected around the fire iu the kayhame or dance-house, during the long winter nights, and are 

 remembered by a few, so that they are not entirely lost, although they no doubt change from time 

 to time, dependent upon the strength of the imagination of the narrators, each of which maj 

 embellish or enlarge upon the previous account. 



Second, the native dread of ridicule. This feeling seems to have more influence on their acts 

 than any other, except their superstitions. To avoid being laughed at they will do many tilings 

 not otherwise characteristic of them, and if relating one of their most interesting stories, the 

 slightest indication of doubt or ridicule on the part of his listeners will cause the native to stop 

 and say that he has forgotten the rest, or that he had only learned so much of it, and nothing will 

 induce him to go on. 



