OF THE POLAR SEA. 



265 



and seventy. He could give me no certain 

 data whereby I might estimate the number 

 of children. 



Two great chiefs, or Ackhaiyoot, have 

 complete authority in directing the move- 

 ments of the party, and in distributing pro- 

 visions. The Attoogawnoeack, or lesser 

 chiefs, are respected principally as senior 

 men. The tribe seldom suffers from want 

 of food, if the chief moves to the different 

 stations at the proper season. They seem 

 to follow the eastern custom respecting 

 marriage. As soon as a girl is born, the 

 young lad who wishes to have her for a 

 wife goes to her father's tent, and proffers 

 | himself. If accepted, a promise is given 

 which is considered binding, and the girl is 

 delivered to her betrothed husband at the 

 proper age. 



They consider their progenitors to have 

 come from the moon. Augustus has no 

 other idea of a Deity than some confused 

 notions which he has obtained at Churchill. 



When any of the tribe are dangerously 

 ill, a conjurer is sent for, and the bearer of 



VOL. II. T 



