OF THE POLAR SEA. 



life, than to witness the state of their de- 

 gradation. When a party is on a march 

 the women have to drag the tent, the meat, 

 and whatever the hunter possesses, whilst 

 he only carries his gun and medicine case. 

 In the evening they form the encampment, 

 cut wood, fetch water, and prepare the 

 supper ; and then, perhaps, are not per- 

 mitted to partake of the fare until the men 

 have finished. A successful hunter some- 

 times has two or three wives; whoever 

 happens to be the favourite assumes autho- 

 rity over the others, and has the manage- 

 ment of the tent. These men usually treat 

 their wives unkindly, and even with harsh- 

 ness ; except, indeed, when they are about 

 to increase the family, and then they show 

 them much indulgence. 



Hearne charges the Chipewyans, with 

 the dreadful practice of abandoning, in ex- 

 tremity, their aged and sick people. The 

 only instance that came under our personal 

 notice was attended with some palliating 

 circumstances : — An old woman arrived at 

 Fort Chipewyan, during our residence, with 



