40 THE POLAR RACE. 



have been affected by the hardness of their fare, as 

 well as their complexion by the intense cold. 



The natural productions of the countries in- 

 habited by these people being few, and the con- 

 veniences of life difficult to be procured, all their 

 efforts and study are directed to the supply of the 

 most urgent wants, the incessant recurrence of 

 which leaves them no leisure for the improvement 

 of their minds. Their manners, therefore, are as 

 uncultivated as their appearance is uncouth. The 

 tallest among them seldom exceed the height of 

 five feet, and many are not more than four. They 

 are of disagreeable look, having broad faces, with 

 short flat noses, eyes of a yellowish brown, high 

 cheek-bones, thick lips, and, in general, a weak and 

 effeminate voice. They have large heads, lank 

 black hair, and dark-brown complexions. 



The resemblance of manners among these north- 

 ern tribes, is not less remarkable than their simi- 

 larity in stature, complexion, and features. They 

 are extremely ignorant, and have few religious 

 ideas. Being totally unacquainted with the arts 

 of civilized life, they covet none of its conve- 

 niences or luxuries ; they are immoderately fond of 

 tobacco and spirituous liquors, which they procure 

 from their southern neighbours, in exchange for 

 the furs of various animals, the hunting of which 

 is one of their chief employments. 



Though these people are strangers to every art 

 and science, and appear to be incapable of any 

 vigorous efforts either of body or mind, they 



