242 Observations on the late Expedition of Capi . Parry , 
enormously. The quantity eaten in one day by a boy on board 
one of the ships, on being carefully weighed, was found to 
amount to ten pounds ; and an allowance of half that quantity 
was considered by the sick complete starvation. The habit of 
easing only fat and oily flesh seems to cause a strange perversion 
of taste. Gingerbread, coffee, and other European delicacies, 
were taken, out of mere compliment, without any relish ; but ; 
when they were presented with tallow-candles, or the soap with 
which the officers were washing themselves, these dainties were 
eaten with every symptom of intense gratification. This regi- 
men produces a very plethoric habit, which, though relieved by 
habitual bleedings at the nose, subjects them to fevers and other 
fatal disorders. Dirt prevails in every shape, in their persons, 
houses, clothes, and all things belonging to them, or within 
their reach. 
Although the Esquimaux are destitute of all abstract ideas, 
and cannot count above ten, yet their intellect acquires consider- 
able development in the course of a roving life, where even the 
most common means of subsistence cannot be obtained without 
peril and adventure. In chasing and entrapping the various 
species of wild animals, they shew the greatest ingenuity and 
active courage. Their migratory habits give them much local 
observation ; and their conversation by no means shewed any 
want of reflection and curiftsity. 
The Esquimaux exist in that state of society which is prior 
to any political union, except that formed by the mere junction 
of a few families, united by a sort of patriarchal tie. They are 
happily untinctured with that ferocity which characterises al- 
most every other form of savage life. Though always bearing 
deadly weapons in their hands, they are quite strangers to war, 
never fight, and seldom even quarrel. Their domestic inter- 
course is cordial and cheerful ; and they practise, without re- 
serve, the duties of hospitality. They are accused, however, of 
considerable apathy, particularly in regard to their suffering 
friends or neighbours. Though sons admit the obligation to 
support their parents, they do not fulfil it with much care or 
attention. Widows, who cannot procure a second husband, are 
exposed to w r ant, and even starvation. Their mourning for de- 
ceased friends is short and superficial; and as it is difficult to 
dig a secure grave in the frozen soil, the devouring of the flesh 
