106 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA. 



The Eskimo himself was a tall, well-built, stalwart 

 man, with a shrewd, intelligent face, and wore the pleas- 

 ant characteristic grin of his race. With him were his 

 two wives and six children, and all joined in extending 

 to us a hearty welcome. 



Their lodge was a large well-formed, clean-looking 

 one, made of deer-skin parchment, and supported by 



ESKIMO "TOPICK, TELZOA RIVER 



stout spruce poles, which must have been brought from 

 some distant place. Into this dwelling we were cordi- 

 ally invited and most hospitably received. Seats of 

 deer-skin were offered by the hostesses and venison was 

 placed before us, while we in return handed around 

 presents of beads, tobacco, matches, and such things. 

 About us were to be seen evidences of communication 

 with traders, such as a large tin kettle, two old guns 



