CHAPTER III. 



Tuski not Tchutski. — Tuski, Proper and Alien : their difference.— 

 Language. — Description. — Resemblance to Cliine.se.- — Conjectures. — 

 Difficulty of Di.scrimination. — A Trip. — Sledges. — Dog.s. — Huts.— 

 Furniture. — Utensils. 



In dl our doings, whether of industry or relaxation, 

 the natives took an active part, behaving almost 

 uniformly with perfect good nature, and evincing a 

 most obliging disposition towards us. Of course we 

 soon began to understand each other ; but they did 

 not learn English nearly so quickly as many of us 

 acquired their tongue. The officers were from this 

 time until May seldom all on board together, expedi- 

 tions being constantly afoot to seek tidings of 

 Franklin, and to gain information respecting the 

 country and inhabitants, of whom, having been con- 

 stantly among them, I had the good fortune to learn 

 much, and will here endeavour to describe their 

 appearance and other characteristics. 



I have first to make a remark respecting the correct 

 designation of this people, which I think all-important 

 towards the decision of a long-disputed cpestion, beside 



