4-6 LETTER X. 



ring under a rigorous .climate, and feeding- on parti- 

 cular alimenfs, their stature .scenic to have been affect- 

 ed by the hardness of their fare, as well as their com- 

 plexion by the extremity of the cold. 



The productions of nature being few, and the con- 

 veniences of life difficult to procure, their only em- 

 ployment and study have constantly been to supply 

 its urgent wants, of which the incessant recurrence 

 has left them no leisure for intellectual improvement. 

 It is, therefore, no wonder that their manners are as 

 uncultivated, as their appearance is uncouth. Their 

 stature is diminutive, and their aspect forbidding 1 . 

 The tallest among them seldom exceed the height of 

 five feet, and many are not more than four. Their 

 faces are broad, with the nose short and flat ; the eves 

 of a yellowish brown, the cheek-bones high, the lips 

 thick, and the voice generally weak and effeminate. 

 Their heads are large, with the hair black and lank, 

 and their complexions a deep brown, upon which ex 7 

 treme cold seems to have had nearly the same effect 

 as intense heat on that of the inhabitants of more 

 southern climates. It is almost needless to remark, 

 that among thes^ people feminine beauty is un- 

 known. The conformity of manners among those 

 arctic tribes is not less market!, than their resem- 

 blance in stature, complexion, and features. They 

 are equally ignorant and superstitious. Their reli- 

 gious ideas are few, and fur the most part extremely 

 absurd. They are totally unacquainted with civilized 

 life, and covet none of its conveniences or luxuries, 

 except tobacco and brandy, to th'e use of which 

 they are immoderately jiddicted, and, which they 

 procure by bartering .for them, with their southern 

 neighbours, the, furs yf tfy.e ermine and other animals^ 

 the hunting of which constitutes a great part of their 

 employment. Although these people are stranger?, 

 to every art and science, and appear incapable of any 

 vigorous efforts of body or mind, yet they display 

 considerable ingenuity when stimulated by necessity, 

 as well as great strength, activity, and courage, when 

 inevitable difficulties or dangers p.romp't their tempo- 

 rary exertion. 4 



