CHAPTER XL 



CUSTOMS OF THE ESKIMOS. 



DEEU-hunting is perhaps the most favored and remu- 

 nerative occupation of the Eskimos. In some districts 

 .seal and other animals are extensively sought, but the- 

 re indeer is the universal stand-by. It is hunted with 

 the bow and arrow or spear, and with guns as well, 

 when these can be obtained. 



Having already stated that the only wood obtainable 

 by the Eskimos is broken fragments of driftwood, the 

 inquiry may arise, Where do they get material from 

 which to make bows ? The answer is, that lacking 

 material for making such bows as are ordinarily used, 

 their ingenuity comes to the rescue and designs a com- 

 posite bow, which answers the purpose equally well. 

 This implement of the chase is, in the first place, made 

 either of pieces of wood or of horn, neatly joined 

 together. In order to give it strength and elasticity, a 

 stout plaited sinew cord is stretched from end to end, 

 around the convexity of the bow, and then twisted 

 until it is brought to the required tension. By this 

 mode of construction, when the bow is drawn the wood 

 or horn is only subjected to a compressive strain, while 

 the sinew thong takes up the tension. 



Thus very powerful bows are made, though of rough 



