260 REMARKS AND OPINIONS. 



thus move it backwards and forwards in a straight 

 line, about two or three inches long. When the 

 dust that collects in the groove, produced by the 

 point of the stick, begins to be heated, the pres- 

 sure and the rapidity of the motion are in- 

 creased. 



It is to be observed, that in both methods, two 

 pieces of the same kind of wood are used ; for which 

 purpose some of equally fine grain, not too hard, 

 and not too soft, are the best. Both methods re- 

 quire practice, dexterity, and patience. 



The process of the Aleutians, is the first of 

 these methods, improved by mechanism. They 

 manage the upright stick in the same manner as 

 the gimlet or borer, which they employ in tlieir 

 work. They hold and draw the string, which is 

 twice wound round it, with both liands, the upper 

 end turning in a piece of wood, which they hold 

 with their mouth. In this way, I have seen a 

 piece of fir, turned on another piece of fir, produce 

 fire in a few seconds ; whereas, in general, a much 

 longer time is required. 



The Aleutians also make fire, by taking two 

 stones, with sulphur rubbed on them, which they 

 strike together over dry moss, strewed with sul- 

 phur. 



