FIRE-MAKING APPARATUS. 557 



on a groove (fig. 34), wbicU collects the grouud-off particles and facili- 

 tates ignition. Karely fire is made by working tbe drill on a plane snr- 

 face, in single, non- connecting holes. 



The difference between these features is, that it is found to be more 

 difficult to get fire by a single hole without groove, or slot, than when 

 the latter features are added. The powder forms a ring around the 

 edge of the hole, is liable to be dispersed, and does not get together in 

 sufficient amount to reach the requisite heat for ignition. Of course 

 this is obviated when a second hole is bored connecting with the first, 

 when the latter becomes a receptacle for the powder. 



It is found that these different ways are due to environmental modi- 

 fication, showing itself as remarkably in fire-making, as in any other 

 Eskimo art. Both the stepped and central-hole hearth are different 

 devices for the same end. The step on the hearth is to keep the pellet 

 of glowing powder from falling off into the snow, so universal in Es- 

 kimo-land; hence, the simple hearth of primitive times and peoples of 

 warmer climates has received this addition. The same reason caused 

 the Eskimo to bore the holes in the middle of the block. 



By following the distribution of the center hole method, a clew may 

 perhaps be gotten to the migrations of the Eskimo. 



From Labrador to Norton Sound, by the collections in the Museum, 

 the center hole is alone used ; south of ISTorton Sound both methods 

 prevail, with a preponderance of the stepped-hearth species. The step 

 seems to be an addition to the Indian hearth; the center is an inde- 

 pendent invention. 



The operation of the drill is well told in the oft-quoted description 

 by Sir. E. Belcher. The writer can attest to the additional statement, 

 that the teeth of civilized man can scarcely stand the shock. He says: 



The tbon<5 of the drill bow beiug passed twice arouud the drill, the upper eud is 

 steadied by a mouth -piece of wood, haviug a piece of the same stone imbedded, with 

 a conuter-sunk cavity. This, held firmly between the teeth, directs the tool. Any 

 workman would be astonished at the performance of this tool on ivory; but havinj; 

 once tried it myself, I found the jar or vibration on the jaws, head, and brain, quite 

 enough to prevent my repeating it." * 



The ethnographical study of the Eskimo fire-drill begins with Labra- 

 dor, including Greenland and following the distribution of the people 

 among the islands and around the North American coast to Kadiak 

 Island and the Aleutian chain. The following is an interesting account 

 from Labrador, showing what a man would do in the exigency: 



He cut a stout stick from a neighboring larch, and taking out the leather thong 

 with which his moccasins were tied, made a short bow and strung it. He then 

 searched for a piece of dry wood, and haviug found it, cut it into shape, sharpened 

 both ends, and twisted it once around the bowstring; he then took a bit of fungns 

 from his pocket and put it into a little hole which he made iu another dry piece of 

 wood with the point of the knife. A third piece of dry wood was fashioned into a 

 liandle for his diill.t 



* Trans. Ethhol. Soc. London, 1861. p. 140, 

 t Hind, —Labrador, i, p. 149, 



