296 HUNTING IN THE ARCTIC 



uncertainty. The hunting of the whale, the wab-us or the seal by 

 native methods requires a variety of weapons, each specialized to its 

 particular use and each requiring a special knowledge and skill in its 

 use. It can easily be imderstood, therefore, that the repeating rifle ap- 

 peals to the Eskimo as a great improvement on his armory, answering 

 the pmpose of several different kinds of weapons and giving him a 

 greater advantage in the chase. The Chukchee, not being hunters, had 

 not the same use for the rifle. 



Another fact illustrated by Mr. Scull's collection is the degeneracy of 

 the native arts in general among these hyperborean peoples. Until a few 

 years ago all the native skin garments were sewn with sinew which now 

 gives place to cotton thread. The characteristic decorative art of the Eski- 

 mo, employing as it did pictorial records of the chase and other incidents 

 of native life, is no longer to be found in its purity, but is replaced by 

 pictures in imitation of white man's engraving done on ivory and calcu- 

 lated to appeal to the fancy of the white traders. These pictures some- 

 times show great skill, but as examples of native art much of their value 

 is lost. 



Mr. Scull's energy in collecting these specimens to illustrate present 

 conditions among the natives on both sides of Bering Sea, as well as his 

 generosity in contributing them to the collections in the University 

 Museum, should serve as an example to be followed by all who enjoy 

 similar opportunities, whether the object of their expeditions be for sport 

 or for scientific ends. 



