ESQUIMAUX VENTRILOQUISTS. 241 



and, whether professionally, or from his skill in the 

 chase, but perhaps from both reasons, was considered by 

 all the tribe as a man of importance. As I invariably 

 paid great deference to his opinion on all subjects con- 

 nected with his calling, he freely communicated to me his 

 superior knowledge, and did not scruple to allow of my 

 being present [at his interviews with Tornga, or his 

 patron spirit. In consequence of this, I took an early 

 opportunity of requesting my friend to exhibit his skill 

 in my cabin. His old wife was with him, and by much 

 flattery and an accidental display of a glittering knife 

 and some beads, she assisted me in obtaining my request. 

 All light excluded, our sorcerer began chanting to his 

 wife with great vehemence, and she in return answered 

 by singing the Amna-aya, which was not discontinued 

 during the whole ceremony. As far as I could hear, he 

 afterwards began turning himself rapidly round, and in a 

 loud powerful voice vociferated for Tornga with great 

 impatience, at the same time blowing and snorting like a 

 walrus. His noise, impatience, and agitation increased 

 every moment, and he at length seated himself on the 

 deck, varying his tones, and making a rustling with his 

 clothes. Suddenly the voice seemed smothered, and was 

 so managed as to sound as if retreating beneath the 

 deck, each moment becoming more distant, and ultimately 

 giving the idea of being many feet below the cabin, when 

 it ceased entirely. His wife now, in answer to my 

 queries, informed me very seriously that he had dived, 

 and that he would send up Tornga. Accordingly, in 

 about half a minute, a distant blowing was heard very 

 slowly approaching, and a voice, which differed from 

 that at first heard, was at times mingled with the 

 blowing, until at length both sounds became distinct, 

 and the old woman informed me that Tornga was come 

 to answer my questions. I accordingly asked several 



