THE ESKIMOS 



really possess very simple, childish natures, but at the same 

 ' time are characterized by quiet determination and deep 

 jealousy, which, when aroused, are likely to lead to acts of 

 violence. From my own observations I do not think that the 

 Eskimos would, without considerable provocation or great 

 temptation, harm anyone falling into their Tianda. 



Though not usually quarrelsome or vicious, they do fight 

 with each other, but only at appointed times, when all old 

 grudges and differences of opinion are cleared up at once. 

 On the appointed day, all the disagreeing parties of the camp 

 pair off, and standing at arm's length from each other, strike 

 turn about, and in this deliberate, systematic way take satis- 

 faction out of each other until one of the combatants cries 

 "Ta-bah" (enough). 



The food of the Eskimo, as his name implies, is chiefly raw 

 flesh; so the preparation of his meals is an extremely simple 

 operation. The culinary department of civilization has no 

 place in his life. Keindeer, seals, white whales and walruses 

 are to the Eskimo the staple articles of food ; but polar bears, 

 Arctic hares and other animals, besides most of the Arctic 

 birds, are considered equally good. 



It is rather a novel, if not a repulsive, sight to witness an 

 Eskimo feast. The occasion of the feast is the capture of a 

 seal, or perhaps a reindeer, which, according to custom during 

 the winter season, becomes common property, so that all are 

 invited to the lodge of the fortunate hunter to share in the 

 festivities. 



The animal's carcase is trailed into the middle of the lodge, 

 and when all the guests are assembled, they seat themselves 

 on the floor about it. The carcase is then skinned by the host, 

 and the pelt laid down to form a dish or receptacle for the 



blood. 



All things being ready, the party, armed with knives, are 

 invited to help themselves, and this they do with great dex- 

 terity, and continue to do — not until they have had enough, 



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