MIGRATIONS BY SEA. 



287 



a. The North Pacific. 



To persons living around the Atlantic shores, the source of the abo- 

 riginal population of America, seems mysterious; and volumes have 

 been written upon the subject. Had the authors themselves made 

 the voyage to the North Pacific, I cannot but think, that much of 

 the discussion would have been spared. In the absence of such an 

 opportunity, a reference to a good globe may be useful before entering 

 upon the question. But I confess, it was only on actually visiting that 

 part of the world, that the whole matter seemed to open to my view. 



The coast of northwestern America, is broken by countless inlets 

 and channels, which penetrate the continent as well as lead among 

 islands; and for a distance perhaps unparalleled, offer a land-locked 

 passage to the largest vessels. The shores are everywhere occupied 

 by populous maritime tribes, who derive subsistence from the abun- 

 dant products of the water. This description of coast, extends north- 

 ward, almost without interruption, to the peninsula of Alashka; and 

 in continuation, the islands of the Aleutian Group, stretching in close 

 proximity to the very borders of Asia, are inhabited by the same class 

 of population. Where then shall Asia end, and America begin ? 



To the southward, the character of the coast changes near the 

 mouth of the Columbia River; and beyond this point, there is no 

 room for the developement of a maritime population. The canoes of 

 the Straits of De Fuca, are of wood, are well made, and the natives 

 frequently go in them many miles into the open sea. A little further 

 north, we meet with an improved model ; the ' baydar,' or skin canoe; 

 which is used among the Aleutian Islands, and generally throughout 

 Russian America. I have seen one of them; and from its lightness, 

 elegance, and the capacity of being rendered impervious to both air 

 and water, I could not but admire its perfect adaptation to the pur- 

 poses of navigation ; for it seemed to almost enable man to take a 

 place among the proper inhabitants of the deep. Such vessels, are 

 obviously fitted to cope with the open sea, and so far as the absence 

 of sails permits, to traverse a considerable expanse of ocean. 



The presence of these skin canoes among the Esquimaux of the 

 Greenland seas, was long regarded as proof of the existence of a north- 

 west passage: and it likewise indicates the course of human migra- 

 tions. 



