352 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
effluvia which rise from a number of other nauseous objects, 
which are distributed in every quarter of the hut. The interior 
of an Esquimaux hut, when the lamps are lighted, and it is full 
of people and dogs, presents a spectacle, which is not to be 
equalled in any other part of the globe. It may be looked upon 
as one of the lowest stages of human society, just one degree 
removed from animal existence, and in which the gratification 
of the sensual appetites appears to be the sole object of their life. 
Immersed in the profoundest igmorance, they have not a single 
pursuit, which has not an immediate reference to their ani¬ 
mal wants, which on being satiated, the human brute throws 
himself down by the side of his dogs, and bloated with the 
effects of his gluttony, passes away the dreary hours of his life 
in sleep and inanity. 
The temperature of the interior of an Esquimaux hut during 
the depth of the winter, is little calculated to instil any feelings 
of comfort or pleasure. A thermometer placed in the hut over 
the fire indicated a temperature of 38°; when removed two or 
three feet from this situation it fell, to 32°, and placed close to 
the wall stood at 23°; the temperature of the outer air at the time 
beingf 25° below Zero. It must however be considered that a 
degree of cold of 57° below the freezing point, is even in that 
country of rare occurrence. At all events, a habitation in which 
the temperature averages about 6° below the freezing point, 
cannot be looked upon as one of comfort, although it must still 
be borne in mind, that a people, who pass the greater part of 
their life in the utmost extremity of cold, which is known upon 
the globe, may consider a temperature of 6° below the freezing 
point, as one of comparative warmth. Towards the spring of the 
year, when from the increased temperature without, and the 
warmth of the huts within, the ice and snow begin to melt, 
these poor beings are grievously affected with colds and febrile 
diseases, which frequently occasion a mortality amongst them, 
and reduce their population to a very low number. It is also 
the season in which they are in the greatest want of provi¬ 
sions, and perhaps of all people, the Esquimaux suffer the most 
from over-gorging themselves at one time, and from actual want 
