AMOR VATRI.E. 309 



Of their social condition my narrative offers nearly 

 a sufficient picture ; they are in a measure socialists, 

 and divided into distinct small brotherhoods of a 

 very peculiar nature, from which, as I understand, 

 their designation of Tuski is derived. They afford 

 an additional proof of the love of home alike in 

 people of savage as luxurious climes ; questions as 

 to whether they would leave their country and go 

 with us to see new wonders, and obtain riches in 

 profusion, elicited, notwithstanding the dazzling 

 prospect, only decided refusal. 



As regards matrimony, it may briefly be remarked, 

 that polygamy is a matter of choice, and repudiation 

 a recognised, although not a frequent, practice. 

 Betrothals take place at an early age, and often 

 without regard to equality of the pair in that respect ; 

 a dowry is certainly bestowed with the wife. In 

 the arts and sciences their advance has necessarily 

 been limited, but ingenuity, patience, and skill, are 

 displayed in no common degree in all their perform- 

 ances. Boats, sledges, dresses, implements, and toys, 

 all bear the stamp of careful and suitable adaptation 

 to their several uses. 



Regarding their trade and commerce, the system 

 is entirely one of " tok," or barter : they communicate 

 with the Russians at Kolyma, and on the Anadyr, 



