484 HAZARDS AND RESCUE. 
wooden frame. Even by the friction of use, it be- 
comes as attenuated as parchment, and sometimes 
parts by the mere contraction of changing tempera- 
tures. I have seen them at the brig's quarter so trans- 
parent that the wash of the waves, and even the float- 
ing actinia, were visible through their sides. The 
seams, too, however carefully secured at first, will nev- 
ertheless warp in the sunshine. Constant scrutiny 
and skill can hardly insure them against hazard. 
This proves itself sadly. About three kayacks a 
year are missing from Holsteinberg, and the other set- 
tlements have a nearly similar ratio of mortality. The 
kayack is sometimes the coffin of its owner, and the 
two skeletons have more than once been found togeth- 
er on the lonely beaches of this bleak coast. 
In quiet weather, however, by much address, two 
may save one ; or by towing, if the distance be not 
great from shore, even one may save another. The 
first of these modes of rescue consists in lashing the 
two kayacks at the sides of the wreck, or by running 
the paddle that belonged to it through the strong cross- 
lines of walrus hide which stretch across the tops of 
the other two. The unfortunate man is then extri- 
cated from the pah or hole, and sits very comfortably 
behind with a knee on each boat. I have seen Esqui- 
maux carried ashore from our brig in this manner. In 
the other case, the unfortunate, with his inflated float, 
may grasp the stern of his friendly helper, and be tow- 
ed to shore ; but in these icy waters nature sustains 
herself with difficulty against the cold. 
It has happened sometimes, but so very rarely as to 
be chronicled always for a wonder, that a strong and 
determined fellow, with the aid of bladder-float, and 
superhuman exertion besides, has managed to reach 
