354 '^HE COMMON BEAK. 



these people, as ornaments or trophies, on the trees 

 about their dwelUngs *. 



The Kamtschadales also owe infinite obligations 

 to the Bears, for the little progress they have hi- 

 therto made, as well in the sciences, as even in the 

 foUte arts. They confess themselves indebted to 

 ^lese animals for all their knowledge of physic and 

 surgery : by observing what herbs the Bears have 

 applied to the wounds they have received, and what 

 methods they have pursued when they were lan- 

 guid; and disordered, this people have acquired a 

 knowledge of most of those simples which they 

 ^ave recourse to either as external or internal 

 apphcations. But the most singular circumstance 

 of all is, that they admit the Bears to be their 

 dancing-masters ; and, in v;hat they call the Bear- 

 dance, every gesture and attitude of that animal is so 

 faithfully pourtrayed, as to afford sufficient indica- 

 tions to what they are indebted for this acquire- 

 ment. They represent the Bear's sluggish and stu- 

 pid gait : and its different feelings and situations ; 

 as the young ones about the dam, the amorous 

 sports of the male with the female, and its agitation 

 when pursued. The tune to one of these dances I 

 shall insert ; — this is ah.vays sung by the dancers, 

 to a jumble of words that are frequently devoid of 



any meanmo;. 



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Tookt's View ol' the Russian Empire. 



