OCCUPATIONS OP THE ESKIMOS 



four or live inches in length, is attached by means of a sinew 

 cord about a foot long. To prevent twisting of this 

 cord, a little ivory swivel is inserted in the middle of it, and 

 the game is played by swinging up the ivory block and catch- 

 ing it upon the pin. The various holes in the block count 

 differently, so that there is really a good deal of skill in the 

 game. 



Running and wrestling are sometimes indulged in, though 

 not often continued with interest. 



The children play among themselves much as they do in 

 the civilized south. A favorite amusement is that of playing 

 house, at which they may be seen busily engaged almost any 

 pleasant summer day about an Eskimo village. The play- 

 houses consist simply of rings of stones, and for dolls the 

 Eskimo children are content with pretty pebbles or chips of 

 wood or ivory. The actors, with their families, go visiting 

 from one house to another, and have their imaginary feasts 

 and all the rest just as our children have. 



At Cape Prince of Wales, Hudson Straits, the Eskimos 

 have been observed to play at the game of tilting. For this 

 sport a very large igloo is built, having a great pUlar in the 

 centre of it. Ivory rings are hung from the roof, and the 

 players, armed with spears, walk rapidly round the pillar, 

 and vie with each other in catching the rings on their spears. 



The people are not noted for being musical, though they 

 have some songs. 



The home or family circle is, as a rule, a happy one. It 

 is not broken up by the brawling sot, nor is it often the scene 

 of poverty and want. Never is this the case while the rest of 

 the community have plenty. All families share alike in 

 times of famine, and in seasons of plenty all rejoice together. 

 Thas there is no such thing as class distinction among them, 

 but all are upon an equal footing ; every man provides for the 

 wants of his own family by hunting. They have, therefore, 

 no need for workmen's unions, nor for protective associations, 



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