1875 UPERNIVIK. 33 



monotony of a long dark winter, which appears some- 

 thing dreadful and dismal in the anticipation, is con- 

 siderably relieved by the charm of novelty. The Danish 

 inhabitants, who are obliged to endure a yearly re- 

 curring period of equal darkness with only one or two 

 associates, can but contrast the monotony of one 

 winter with the past ; life under these circumstances 

 must be hard indeed, and the Danish officials and 

 missionaries who voluntarily undergo it are entitled 

 to our liveliest commiseration. 



Since 1721, the year of Egede's settlement at 

 Godhaab in South Greenland, the Danes have con- 

 sistently endeavoured to improve and ameliorate the 

 condition of the Eskimo inhabitants of Greenland. 

 Their efforts have been crowned Avith marked success, 

 and the paternal rule of the Danish Government has 

 been conducted with such complete regard for the 

 interests of the Greenlanders, that we find the native 

 population scattered along the coasts of that inhospit- 

 able land enjoying the blessings of religion, law, order, 

 and a considerable degree of civilization. This en- 

 lightened policy has been carried out by a succession 

 of worthy officials and missionaries, whose self-denying 

 labours reflect the utmost credit on themselves and the 

 country to which they belong, 



VOL i. D 



