FOB ARCTIC EXPLORERS. 289 



there any native explanation of either custom? It would be 

 desirable to obtain the native names of the various tools, and to be 

 especially attentive to the use of stone implements, Lb meteoric 



iron employed for implements? and where is it obtained? The 

 native names of metals employed? Are there special persons who 

 manufacture a distinct class of objects or does each family supply 

 its own wants ? Is tobacco in use ? where is it obtained ? and is 

 any other substance used with it or substituted for it? How are 

 the tobacco-pipes made ? and especially how are tho bowls and 

 sterns bored ? 



Hunting and Fishing, dx. — The use of lures and stratagems. Are 

 any {allies employed to record the number of animals killed? Is 

 there any distinction in the form of paddles used by different sexes ''. 

 do the rowers keep time ? 



Food. — Are any ceremonies used at their meals or feasts ? Is thero 

 any offering to the deceased or to spirits? Is there any particular 

 order in the succession of various kinds of food at such meals? 

 Mode of feeding ? especially as to the cutting off at the mouth tho 

 food. Do the teeth become much worn down by the nature of the 

 food or the mode of eating ? 



Collections. — It is most desirable to make as complete a collection 

 as possible of everything illustrating the Arctic tribes ; for tho 

 intercourse with Europeans must in time modify or extinguish 

 many of their peculiar implements, weapons, or dress, and it is 

 believed that the Arctic races would furnish valuable illustrations 

 of the condition of the ancient inhabitants of the South of France, 

 &c, during the cave period. It would be well also to search in 

 the walls and floors of ruined houses for stone and bone implements 

 left by the former inhabitants. Tho specimens should be, as soon 

 as possible, carefully labelled and marked ; where marked by 

 adhesive labels or by cards tied on, something should be written on 

 the specimen itself, in ink or pencil, so that if the label should 

 drop off or become detached thero may be no doubt as to the speci- 

 men to which it belonged. 



There is, however, a point of great importance which relates to 

 the disposal of the collections when they are brought back. It has 

 been too much the habit to consider such objects the property of 

 the officers of the expedition, to be disposed of according to their 

 Irish. Should, however, such collections be made by a eci< otitic 

 expedition, there should be clear directions that it should bo placed 

 at the disposal of tho Government to be deposited in the national 

 museum, and the commander of the expedition should see- thai the 

 main collection contains the best illustrations of the subject. 



To show the ovil effects of the contrary praci ice, it may be noticed 



