THE LAST CRUISE OF THE MIKAXDA. 



83 



mourn deeply for a few days the loss of a relative or friend ; 

 then suddenly they become merry again, and apparently think 

 of their loss no more. 



In character the Eskimo is gay and careless ; if he has 

 enough to eat he enjoys the present and gives no thought to 



ENTRANCE TO AN ESKIMO HUT. 



the future. He has a strongly developed sense of freedom 

 and independence, which is natural, considering the nomad 

 life of his ancestors. Another prominent trait is his honesty ; 

 for theft among Eskimos is very rare, and is looked upon 

 as exceedingly reprehensible. Murder is almost unknown, 

 and they do not make war upon one another. They are 

 very hospitable in disposition, and are good-natured and 

 kind-hearted. Polygamy was common before the West Coast 

 Eskimos became converts to the Christian faitii, but now 

 monogamy is the ideal, though not always closely adhered to 

 in practice. Occasional cases of open polygamy are still to be 

 met with, but these are very rare. Wonum, though consid- 

 ered inferior to man — a grading not entirely peculiar to the 



