54 



AECTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



some buzzing, some drawing the very life-blood from face, bands, 

 arms, and legs, until one is driven to a state approaching mad- 

 ness. Even the clothing worn in the States is no protection here 

 against the huge proboscis with which each lady musquito is 

 armed. 



On Monday, July 9th, a laughable circumstance occurred. It 

 consisted in the fact that Esquimaux had managed to outwit 

 Yankee, and thus it was : 



Sterry — the sharp Sterry, who understands the Esquimaux lan- 

 guage, had been assisting Smith, the third mate, in some "trade" 

 with the natives. Sampson, the pilot, was the man who had come 

 on board, with several others, to see what could be picked up. 

 He was accosted by Smith, and asked if he had any thing to 

 trade ; but the reply was that " all had gone." In fact, he had 

 parted with every thing of value in his possession, and that, too, 

 for nominal prices in return. Smith, however, was not satisfied, 

 and again pressed the Esquimaux. At length it occurred to 

 Sampson that he had money, with which he could purchase out- 

 right some tobacco. So he asked Smith if he had any to sell. 

 Smith replied, " Yes ; how much do you want?" Sampson there- 

 upon drew forth a Danish bill, marked " sex skilling" — a shin- 



GEEENLAND CUEEENCY. 



plaster — and said, "How much you sell for this?" Smith took 

 the bill with avidity, and showed it to our acute, jocular, and ever 



