54 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



or oily morsel generally produces a magical effect. 



Skins of the eider duck, which are also made up 

 into clothing, are reserved almost exclusively for 

 the babies. 



The Eskimo displays a great accuracy of eye, 

 as was experienced by Mr. Peck. He was in 

 want of a new fur suit, and accordingly the 

 tailor was called in. He took no measurement ; 

 he simply turned Mr. Peck round and studied his 

 figure, went away, and in due time brought the 

 clothes, which proved to be an admirable fit. 



No picture of the home life perhaps ought to be 

 regarded as complete without some few remarks 

 concerning that which produces it marriage. 

 Children are usually betrothed by their relatives at 

 a very early age ; but these engagements are some 

 times broken off later on. When the children 

 reach maturity the girl learns the duties of a house 

 wife. As soon as the boy is able to provide for a 

 family and the girl can do her necessary work, the 

 couple are allowed to marry. In cases where no 

 betrothal has taken place in childhood, men look 

 out for wives as soon as they arrive at the age of 

 maturity. Sometimes the services of a mediator or 

 matchmaker are secured. After the marriage has 

 taken place the young people generally begin life 

 with the parents of the bride : and if the husband 

 and his wife belong to different tribes the former 

 must join that of the latter. It is not until after 



