THE LAST CRUISE OF THE MIRANDA. 



65 



spear and thus entangle the object at which it is thrown. 

 Then there is a harpoon for seals, so arranged with a joint 

 that after the spear-head has struck the animal it becomes 

 detached from the shaft, the head being connected with a 

 thong in the hands of the hunter. This thong is attached to 

 a float consisting of a large bladder or an inflated and air-tight 



ESKIMOS AT PLAY. 



skin, which prevents the escape or sinking of the wounded 

 animal. 



Indeed, the Eskimos show considerable inventive genius 

 and skill in the construction of such articles as are needed in 

 their grim struggle for existence in an environment unfavor- 

 able to human life. They will hold their own with any 

 aboriginal race on the face of the globe. Our civilization 



