2 54 BIG GAME SHOOTING IN ALASKA chap. 



staggered and fell. Rising once more, he was met with a 

 furious fusilade which terminated the hunt. Shortly after- 

 wards the gang of men returned bearing portions of the 

 meat, which they offered for sale, together with the head 

 and horns. The horns were very poor, and apparently less 

 than 40 inches in span. This beast had the most remarkably 

 long bell that I had seen. It exceeded 15 inches in length. 



For a wonder most of the meat from this moose was 

 brought in by the natives, but merely on account of the fact 

 that it was killed so near the settlement. If a beast is killed 

 any distance from home the natives are generally content 

 to pack home the haunches and leave the remainder of the 

 carcass to rot, hoping soon to get another animal nearer 

 home. Stories which I have been told on this subject by 

 the natives themselves warrant me in making this statement. 



A round of festivities now commenced in the native 

 quarters, for the men employed by the sportsmen no sooner 

 receive their pay than they proceed to spend it as fast as 

 possible. After making vast purchases from the local store 

 of all kinds of supplies, and many useless articles, they then 

 distribute things freely to all their friends, and finally end 

 up by giving a big dance. Pitka was no exception to the 

 rule, and one evening came to us and said, " To-night every- 

 body dance. You come too." We went, and spent an 

 hour at the ball. No striking beauty was to be seen amongst 

 the ladies, and the music was supplied by natives playing 

 guitars. They all had a good idea of dancing, and the 

 whole performance was carried out on strictly European 

 lines, and in a most orderly manner. 



After spending a quiet week at Kenai, on the morning 

 of October 13 the steamer Tyonook was reported off the 

 mouth of the river, and an opportunity was presented for 



