62 VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGENT. 



and foxes, fall frequent victims to the dexterity of 

 these excellent marksmen. They are at liberty to 

 return to their native country towards the latter end 

 of September, if not relieved by a fresh party be- 

 fore that time. Some of these Arctic hunters came 

 on board our ship, and when set down to meat, 

 they preferred a mess of biscuit and whale oil to all 

 the dainties placed before them. Of this coarse re- 

 past they ate with a sufficiently healthful appetite, 

 and in their own language pronounced it good. 

 They had the complexion of Siberians, and were 

 dressed in bear and deer skins. They had an ath- 

 letic and vigorous appearance, though somewhat 

 stiffened and cramped by the extreme cold to which 

 they are exposed. During the time they were on 

 board, and particularly while at meat, they behaved 

 with a decorum and gentleness which could hardly 

 be expected from their grotesque appearance : and 

 the neatness of their fowling-pieces, boat-tackling, 

 &c manifested a taste and ingenuity of which the 

 inhabitants of a more refined country need not be 

 ashamed. 



The zoology is the only remaining subject of 

 importance in the description of this country to be 

 here considered. After giving an account of the 

 bear, deer, and fox, I shall notice the seal and 



