ON THE LOWER DUBAWNT 



Their lodge was a large, well-formed, clean-looking one, 

 made of deerskin parchment, and supported by stout spruce 

 poles, which must have been brought from some distant place. 

 Into this dwelling we were cordially invited and most hospit- 

 ably received. Seats of deerskin were offered by the hostesses 

 and venison was placed before us, while we in return handed 

 around presents of beads, tobacco, matches, and such things. 

 About us were to be seen evidences of communication with 

 traders, such as a large tin kettle, two old guns and a pair of 

 moleskin trousers. Upon inquiry I was told they had re- 

 ceived them in trade from other " Innuits " (Eskimos). We 

 satisfied ourselves that this family were accustomed to meet 

 with the Eskimos from Hudson Bay, who trade at Eort 

 Churchill or Marble Island, and for that reason the Dubawnt 

 must in all probability flow into the bay. We were, more- 

 over, soon convinced of this by getting the Eskimo to draw 

 us a sketch of the river's course. 



From the natives we also secured articles, such as horn 

 spoons, personal ornaments, and two or three deerskin coats, 

 to do us service, if necessary, later in the season. In exchange 

 for these we were asked for powder, bullets and gun-caps, all 

 of which they were badly in need of. About camp there 

 appeared to be an abundance of venison for the present sup- 

 port of the family, but the hunt for musk-oxen was what had 

 brought this venturesome hunter far up the river in advance 

 of his tribe. 



As Eskimo interpreter, I had little difficulty in conversing 

 with the natives, though I found that many of my words, as 

 nsed by the Eskimos on the east coast of Hudson Bay and the 

 north shore of the straits, were not understood. It was not 

 ao surprising that many of their words were not understood 

 by me. In the main, however, I found the language to be 

 the same as that spoken by the Eskimos of various other 

 districts formerly visited by me. 



Among those of us who for the time shared the hospitality 

 7 97 



