SECOND VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY. 



159 



On the morning of the 1st of February it was reported to me that a lium- 

 ber of strange people were seen to the westward, coming towards the ships ^r>J 

 over the ice. On directing a glass towards them we found them to be Esqui- 

 maux, and also discovered some appearance of huts on shore, at the dis- 

 tance of two miles from the ships, in the same direction. I immediately set 

 out, accompanied by Captain Lyon, an officer from each ship, and two of 

 the men, to meet the natives who, to the number of five-and-twenty, were 

 drawn up in a line abreast and still advanced sloAvly towards us. As we ap- 

 proached nearer they stood still, remaining as before in a compact line, from 

 which they did not move for some time after we reached them. Nothing could 

 exceed their quiet and orderly behaviour on this occasion, which presented 

 a very striking contrast with the noisy demeanour of the natives of Hudson's 

 Strait. They appeared at a distance to have arms in their hands, but what 

 we had taken for bows or spears proved to be only a few blades of whalebone 

 which they had brought, either as a peace-offering, or for barter, and which 

 we immediately purchased for a few small nails and beads. Some of the 

 women, of whom there were three or four, as well as two children, in this 

 party, having handsome clothes on which attracted our attention, they 

 began to our utter astonishment and consternation to strip, though the ther- 

 mometer stood at 23° below sero. We soon found however that there was 

 nothing so dreadful in this as we at first imagined, every individual among 

 them having on a complete double suit. The whole were of deer-skin and 

 looked both clean and comfortable. 



However quietly the Esquimaux had awaited our approach and still con- 

 tinued to conduct themselves, there was as little apprehension or distrust 

 visible in their countenances or manner as it was possible for one strange set 

 of persons to evince on meeting another. As soon, therefore, as we had 

 bought all that they had to sell, and made them a number of valuable pre- 

 sents, we expressed by signs our wish to accompany them to theirjhuts, with 

 which they willingly complied, and we immediately set out together. On 

 our way the Esquimaux were much amused by our dogs, especially by a large 

 one of the Newfoundland breed, that had been taught to fetch and carry — a 

 qualification which seemed to excite unbounded astonishment ; and the chil- 

 dren could scarce contain themselves for joy, when Captain Lyon gave them 

 a stick to throw for the dog to bring back to them. A, child of five or six 

 years old, thus amusing itself on such a day and in such a climate, formed by no 

 means the least characteristic figure of our motley group. An old and infirm 



