220 THE AKJA. 



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called in Swedish Akja, or Pulka ; and in Lappish, Kerres. 

 As seen in the above sketch, it is boat- like in form, and 

 instead of two runners, with which sledges are usually 

 provided, it rests on a single and broad keel. 



The harness is a very primitive affair. In the fore part of 

 the Akja is a loop formed of the sinews of the rein-deer ; to 

 this is affixed a broad leathern thong (Raktes, in Lappish) 

 the traces in short which passing under the belly of the 

 animal, is fastened to a collar (Kesas, in Lappish), that is 

 made of skin, and well stuffed with hair. A stout girth 

 that encircles the body of the deer, keeps both the Raktes 

 and the Kesas in their proper place. A long plaited leathern 

 thong, which is affixed to the head of the deer, and which, 

 when driving, one holds in the right hand, serves not only to 

 guide the animal, but in lieu of a whip. 



As may be readily understood both from the construction 

 of the Akja, and the simplicity of the harness, one has no 

 great control over either the vehicle or the deer. Capsizes, in 

 fact, are of frequent occurrence ; and what is worse, the deer 

 is apt to bolt away from the proper track, which it neces- 

 sarily gives one much trouble to regain. At times, indeed, 

 he becomes restive, and instead of going ahead, turns round 

 and attacks the driver, who has no other resource than to 

 upset the Akja, and shelter himself beneath it until such 

 time as the animal recovers his temper, when the vehicle is 

 righted again, and the journey renewed. Wrapped up in furs, 

 however, as one must unavoidably be in the winter time, 

 these assaults of the deer are seldom attended with much 

 inconvenience. 



That the rein-deer is well calculated for draught may be 

 inferred from the strength of his loins, and the bone of his 





