184 



THE POLAR WORLD. 



and P. von Krusenstern, in 1845, calculated the number owned by the Samo- 

 iedes of the Lower Petschora, near Pustosersk, at 40,000 head — a much small- 

 er number than what they formerly had, owing to a succession of misfortunes. 

 The Russian settlers along that immense stream and its tributaries gradually 

 obtain possession of their best pasture-grounds, and force them to recede within 

 narrower and narrower limits. Thus many have been reduced to the wretch- 

 ed condition of the Arctic fisherman, or have been compelled to exchange their 

 ancient independence for a life of submission to the will of an imperious master. 



The entire number of the European and Asiatic Samoiedes is estimated at 

 no more than about 10,000, and this number, small as it is when compared to 

 the vast territory over which they roam, is still decreasing from year to year. 

 Before their subjugation by the Russians, the Samoiedes were frequently at war 

 with their neighbors, the Ostiaks, the Woguls, and the Tartars, and the rude 

 poems which celebrate the deeds of the heroes of old are still sung in the tents 

 of their peaceful descendants. The minstrel, or troubadour — if I may be al- 

 lowed to use these names while speaking of the rudest of mankind — is seated 

 in the centre of the hut, while the audience squat around. His gesticulations 

 endeavor to express his sympathy with his hero. His body trembles, his voice 

 quivers, and during the more pathetic parts of his story, tears start to his eyes, 

 and he covers his face with his left hand, while the right, holding an arrow, di- 

 rects its point to the ground. The audience generally keep silence, but theii' 

 groans accompany the hero's death ; or when he soars upon an eagle to the 

 clouds, and thus escapes the malice of his enemies, they express their delight 

 by a triumphant shout. 



