POLAR-BEAR LIVER POISONOUS. 



367 



" Now we have a Ninoo, of course the Innuits will inflate the 

 bladder, and attach it, with several peculiar charms, to a staff, 

 which must be kept in a prominent position — in the boat while 

 we are voyaging, and on the tupic while encamped. In accord- 

 ance with Innuit custom, it must be thus exposed for three days 

 and three nights. 



"We leave a considerable portion of the Ninoo here on depos- 

 it against our return. The bear's length was eight feet ; it was 

 not of the largest size ; its condition was fine, very fat, and its 

 meat as tender and palatable as any beefsteak I ever ate. The 

 liver of the polar bear is never eaten by the Innuits. Of course 

 they know the general effect of eating this part to be as if one were 

 poisoned. They say it makes them feel very sick, especially in 

 the head, the hair dropping off, and the skin peeling from their 

 faces and bodies. They do not allow the dogs to eat it, because 

 it makes them also sick, and causes all their hair to come off. 

 They either bury the liver or cast it into the sea. Even after 

 this precaution, dogs sometimes succeed in getting hold of it, and 

 it really poisons them." 



