34 TUSKI. 



being a remarkable feature in character. Tchouski, 

 Tchuktche, Tchutski, Tcbekto, and other similar appel- 

 lations, I believe to have all arisen from the word 

 Tuski, meaning a confederation or brotherhood, which 

 exists among them, and is endowed with some extra- 

 ordinary customs, of which one or two are perhaps 

 unique in practice. We sought assiduously for the self- 

 distinguishing name of this people ; and it was con- 

 jectured, on one occasion, that they called themselves 

 " Nootilsken Callowole," but this was afterwards found 

 to mean simply, "people of a country," or, in fact, 

 "natives;" thus "Gumneen Nootusken," and " Giin- 

 neen Nootusken," mean severally " my country," and 

 " your country." The mention of the numerous appel- 

 lations given to them by strangers, with inquiry as to 

 their correctness, invariably produced a negative 

 reply, with the use of the word Tuski, and a full 

 explanation of its particular meaning, whence they 

 call themselves " Tuski Callowole," or people of the 

 Tuski brotherhood. 



Lengthened intercourse and observation led to the 

 opinion, in myself a confirmed one, that we had two 

 distinct races, or at least branches, before us, differing 

 in language, appearance, and many details of dress and 

 occupation, but living close to and holding friendly 

 intercourse with each other. The Reindeer Tuski, or, 



