282 HUNTING IN THE ARCTIC 



history. It has no reHgious significance. The Thnket 

 Indians divide themselves into two main clans, that of 

 the Raven and that of the Wolf. Each of these in turn 

 is subdivided into branches under the symbol of some 

 bird, beast or fish. Two persons of the same clan cannot 

 marry. Doubtless this widespread custom explains why 

 the myths of the principal northern races have so many 

 points of resemblance — their conveyance by marriage. 

 On the face of the totem are carved in high relief the 

 various emblems drawn from family history or legends of 

 the owner's clan. Recent generations have held the art 

 in light esteem and erected but few new poles. 



Only a few hours' run from Ketchikan is a splendid 

 example of a life devoted to others in the history of 

 Wilham Duncan, missionary and practical leader of the 

 Metlakatla Indians. We met the white-haired little man 

 among his people at the new Metlakatla, Annette Island. 



All in all, the Metlakatla conamunity presented a 

 prosperous appearance. A good cannery was operated 

 by the natives and other industries were run on a mutual 

 basis. They were apparently very contented and peace- 

 ful. But this question could not find an answer: What 

 would become of these 700 souls when their leader was 

 no longer with them? Would one of their number rise 

 in like power, or would the precept and example grow 

 dinuner and finally fade away? 



Now we were out of Alaska, and as if to emphasize 

 the healthful character of that great country, Eltiog and 

 I both caught mahgnant colds in the head, whereas we 

 had been entirely free from such complaints during the 

 summer. 



While vast wealth has been carved from this huge 

 Arctic territory, much greater riches are Hkely to be 



