i FISHING. !63 



With this they cut a circular hole in the 

 ice of about two feet in diameter, and a 

 foot deep. Then, when it becomes diffi- 

 cult to use the ice-chisel, they scoop out 

 the accumulated pulverized ice with thin 

 ladles made from musk-ox horn, of which 

 I told you in a former chapter. One of 

 these ladles is also lashed to a long pole, 

 and is used to dip the cut ice out of the 

 well. And so the boys work away at 

 their well, first cutting down a foot or so 

 with their ice-chisels, and then scooping 

 it out with their ladles, then cutting 

 again, then scooping, until finally they 

 have bored clear through, and the fresh 

 water comes rushing up to the top, and 

 all the thirsty people in camp, who 

 have had no water all day as well 

 as the dogs, which are equally thirsty 

 get a good drink, and- have plenty 



