ther part is given up
for the common benefit. Fish, flesh, and fowl are distributed in the
same liberal and impartial manner; and he who contributes most seems
as contented with his share, however small it may be, as if he had had
no share in procuring it. In fact, a community of goods seems almost
established among them; the few articles they purchase from us shift
from hand to hand, and seldom remain more than two or three days in
the hands of the original purchaser.

The Nascopies, surrounded by kindred tribes, are strangers to the
calamities of war, and are consequently a peaceful, harmless people;
yet they cherish the unprovoked enmity of their race towards the poor
Esquimaux, whom they never fail to attack, when an opportunity offers
of doing so with impunity. Our presence, however, has had the effect
of establishing a more friendly intercourse between them; and to the
fact that many of the Esquimaux have of late acquired fire-arms, and
are not to be attacked without some risk, may be ascribed, in no small
degree, the present forbearance of their enemies.

CHAPTER X.

THE ESQUIMAUX--PROBABLE ORIGIN--IDENTITY OF LANGUAGE
FROM LABRADOR TO BEHRING'S STRAITS--THEIR
AMOURS--MARRIAGES--RELIGION--TREATMENT
OF PARENTS--ANECDOTE--MODE OF PRESERVING
MEAT--AMUSEMENTS--DRESS--THE IGLOE, OR SNOW-HOUSE--THEIR
CUISINE--DOGS--THE SLEDGE--CAIAK, OR CANOE--OUIMIAK, OR
BOAT--IMPLEMENTS--STATURE.

The Esquimaux are so totally different in physiognomy and person, in
language, manners, and customs, from all the other natives of America,
that there can be no doubt that they belong to a different branch of
the human race. The conformation of their features, their stature,
form, and complexion, approximate so closely to those of the northern
inhabitants of Europe, as to indicate, with some degree of certainty,
their identity of origin. In the accounts I have read of the maritime
Laplanders, I find many characteristics common to both tribes: the
Laplander is of a swarthy complexion,--so is the Esquimaux; the
Laplander is distinguished by high cheek-bones, hollow cheeks, pointed
chin, and large mouth,--so is the Esquimaux; the Laplander wears a
thick beard,--so does the Esquimaux; the Laplander's hair is long and
black,--so is that of the Esquimaux; the Laplanders are, for the most
part, short of stature,--so are the Esquimaux; and the dress, food,
and lodging of both peoples are nearly the same. Th