WHALE-SKIN GOOD FOR FOOD. 



137 



son, in his boat, came up, and, without a word, proceeded to lance 

 the huge monster so as to render him incapable of farther resist- 

 ance. Directly this was done, Tyson left, to go cruising for oth- 

 ers ; nor did he once make any proposition in reference to a claim 

 for a share, as customary among whalers. His act was most 

 friendly, especially so where whaling has so much to create strife. 



About this time I was very sick — indeed, had been quite pros- 

 trated for several days by severe rheumatic pains. The cause 

 originated with myself in consequence of needless exposure. I 

 had experienced no material illness before since leaving home, 

 and I believed, even as I now believe, that what Governor Elberg, 

 of Holsteinborg, said to me about the healthy condition of all who 

 reside in the arctic regions, as compared with other parts of the 

 world, was true. But I had neglected even the commonest pre- 

 cautions during wet, cold, and fogs, and thus I now suffered. I 

 allude to it for the purpose of showing the great sympathy 

 evinced for me by the Esquimaux whenever they came on board. 

 In moving about near my cabin they would walk on tiptoe, as 

 though instructed in our customs at home ; and on one occasion, 

 two little girls, Ookoodlear and a companion, were so careful lest 

 they should disturb me, that they would hardly turn over the 

 leaves of an illustrated Atlas that had been placed before them for 

 their amusement. 



This sickness of mine continued, with intermissions, for several 

 days ; but eventually I triumphed over it, and was able to move 

 about again as I had been accustomed to. During my sickness 

 various dishes were prepared for me from game that was captured, 

 but I well remember the joy I felt on eating a portion of a rein- 

 deer's tongue, brought on board by some of the Esquimaux after 

 a successful hunt. The previous day all hands had been eating 

 (and relishing it too) some soused "black skin" of the whale, and 

 I had freely taken of my share, but the satisfaction was nothing 

 compared to that produced by the reindeer tongue. Neverthe- 

 less, I still assert that the black skin is good, either raiv or cooked; 

 and, when prepared as pig's feet are in the States, it is luxurious. 



At this time the George Henry was feeding and employing in 

 the whaling service thirteen Esquimaux — that is, two boats' crews 

 and one over. They got three meals a day in the cabin. The 

 ration to each was one sea-biscuit, a mug of coffee, and a slice of 

 salt junk. Besides this, they were furnished with all the pipes, 

 tobacco, clothing, guns, and ammunition they wanted. In return, 



