CRUISE OF THE STEAMER CORWIN. 83 



mission of crime, there exists a kind of moral code which governs them in all their relations one 

 with another. To disturb a cache of clothing or provisions which does not belong to one, for in- 

 stance, is considered a very great sin ; but should intense suffering or imminent danger from starva- 

 tion make it necessary to open anothers cache there is no redress for the owner and none is sought. 



Diseases. — Pulmonary complaints and rheumatism are the principal causes of sickness among 

 these natives. Weak or inflamed eyes are frequently seen, but it is probable that the cause is 

 attributable more to neglect of sanitary precautions in regard to ventilation of their winter houses 

 thjin to any organic disorder. Epidemic diseases are of rare occurrence. Smallpox sometimes 

 reaches this region through communication with the natives living on the Koyukuk River, a 

 confluent of the Yukon ; but as I observed only one native marked with this dread disease it 

 probably never reaches the epidemic stage. Syphilis has not as yet reached the interior settlements 

 to any great extent, but as it is common among the coast tribes, it is only a question of time 

 when its ravages will extend to these people. But little is known in regard to the treatment of 

 the sick, and it is believed that beyond a very few herbs used by the " shaman " to assist him in 

 his incantations of evil spirits while attending the sick, nothing is given in the way of medicine 

 to cure the disorder. 



Funeral ceremonies. — The dead are not interred nor does there appear to be any formal funeral 

 ceremonies. The body is removed to some secluded spot, usually on a bluft' overlooking the river, 

 and laid upon the ground. A shelter is made by erecting a small conical-shaped structure of 

 spruce logs over the body and a tree near by is stripped of its branches and small pieces of cloth 

 are tied to it to mark the spot. The household utensils, sled, and some of the weapons of the 

 deceased are left with him, and the spot is tabooed henceforth. 



Food. — As has already been intimated, the principal food of the natives during the winter 

 months is reindeer meat. Pish are also caught tlirough holes made in the ice on the rivers and 

 lakes which dot the country. The flesh of the bear, fox, wolf, muskrat, beaver, and mountain 

 sheep also is eaten, and forms a welcon>e addition to their ration. During the brief summer season 

 salmon is the principal article of subsistence with those who live far inland on the rivers, while 

 those who make the journey to the coast or who live in the settlements near the mouths of the 

 rivers have a much greater variety of articles to eat. The flesh of the seal and white whale is 

 eagerly devoured and the greatest abundance of many varieties of edible berries are found on 

 the tundra plains. Among these the salmon and blue berry are favorites and are eaten by the 

 natives soaked in seal oil. Wild currants grow abundantly in the higher land of the upper-river 

 region, and among the wild edible roots indigenous to the region, observed by our party, were the 

 onion, celery, parsnip, and a plant resembling rhubai'b. The parsnip is considered poisonous on 

 the Yukon River, but our party frequently ate the species found here without any perceptible evil 

 eftect. The tender shoots of the willow are cooked in oil and eaten by the natives when hard 

 pushed for food. 



I was curious to observe how our food would bo accepted by the natives, and found that for 

 such articles as flour, pemmican, tea, and rice they showed a decided fondness. Sweets, such as 

 sugar, canned fruit, and condensed milk, were also greedily eaten; but for salt pork they evinced 

 such aversion that there could be no mistaking their repugnance for it. During the time some of 

 the natives were xyith our party and living on our ration, whenever pork or bacon formed the meat 

 portion of our meals they would not touch it, and I was compelled to purchase some dried fish 

 for their especial benefit. The upper waters of the Kowak and the many lakes and lagoons near 

 the rivers teem with myriads of geese and duck during the breeding season, which lasts from July 

 until the latter part of August. Swans and cranes are also found in limited numbers in the more 

 secluded parts of the river and interior lakes. All these birds are boiled after being skinned. The 

 head, feet, and intestines are considered the choice morsels. This ftict flrst came to my notice while 

 camping in company with some river Indians who had shot a goose. With the intention of paying 

 me particular attention, these tidbits were set before me by one of their number. 



Clothing. — The clothing of all these tribes is essentially the same, consisting of an outer and 

 inner coat or "parka" of deer-skin, tight-fitting trousers of hair-seal skin, and boots with deer- 

 skin leggins and soles made of walrus or white- whale skin. In winter the inner garments are worn 

 with the fur next to the body and the outer ones reversed. No hats or caps are worn by either 



