CONSTRUCTION OF SKIN BOATS. 



527 



TRANSPORTATION BY BOATS AND SLEDGES. 

 THE BOAT (UJIIAV). 



The main part of the frame of a boat is a timber whicli runs from 

 stem to stern (Fig. 478). It is the most solid part and is made of 

 driftwood, whicli is procured in Hudson Strait, Hudscm Bay, and on 



the noi-tliern shore of King William Land. In Iglulik, and probably 

 in Pond Bay. boats are rarely used and never made, as wood is 

 wanting. The central part of this timber is made a little narrower 

 than the ends, which form stout heads. A mortise is cut into each 

 of the latter, into which posts (kiglo) are tenoned for the bow and for 

 the stern. The shape of this part will best be seen from the engrav- 

 ing (Fig. 479). A strong jjiece of wood is fitted to the top of these 

 uprights and the gunwales are fastened to them with heavy thongs. 



Fig. 479. Kiglo or post. 



The gunwales and twcj curved strips of wood (akuk). which run 

 along each side of the bottom of the boat from stem to stern, deter- 

 mine its form. These strips are steadied by from seven to ten cross 

 pieces, which are firmly tied to them and to the central piece. From 

 this pair of strips to the gunwales run a number of ribs, which stand 

 somewhat close together at the bow and the stern, but are sejsarated 

 by intervals of greater distance in the center of the boat. The cross 

 pieces along the bottom are arranged similarly to the ribs. Be- 

 tween the gunwale and the bottom two or three pairs of strips also 

 run alon-- tlie sides of the boat and steady its whole frame. The up- 

 l)(iiii(.st pair (which is called tuving) lies near the gunwale and 

 ser\-es us a fastening for the cover of the boat. The thwarts, three 



