260 



THE POLAR WORLD. 



pick it up n<xr\'m while the sledi^e slioots along. Diiving n snow-stonii the clogs 

 keep ihcir master warm, and will lie quietly near him for hours, so tiiat he has 

 merely to prevent the snow from covering him too deeply and suffocating him. 

 The dogs arc also excellent weather prophets, for when, while resthig, they dig 

 holes in the snow, a storm may with certainty be expected. 



The sledge-dogs are trained to their future service at a very early period. 

 Soon after hirlli they are ])laced v/ith their mother in a deep pit, so as to see 

 neither m.iii nor beast, and, after liaving been weaned, they are again condemn- 

 ed to solitary confinement in a pit. After six months they are attached to a 

 sledge with other older dogs, and, being extremely shy, they run as fast as 

 they can. On returning home, they are again confined in their pit, wliere they 



DOGS TOWING BOATS. 



remain until they are perfectly trained, and able to perform a long journey. 

 Then, but not before, they arc allowed their summer liberty. This severe edu- 

 cation completely sours their temper, and they constantly remain gloomy, shy, 

 quarrelsome, and suspicious. 



To return to the Kamchatkans : travellers praise their good-nature, their 

 hospitality, and their natural wit. Of a sanguine disposition, they are happy 

 and content in their jioverty, and have no cares for the morrow. Being ex- 

 tremely indolent, they never work unless when compelled. They readily adopt 

 strange maimers, and no doubt education might produce valuable results in so 

 pliable and sharp-witted a race. Unfortunately the Russians and Cossacks 

 who have settled among them do not afford them the best examples. They 



