We have had inquiries about the Esquimaux who were brought over here by
Lieutenant Peary, when he brought the great meteorite from the Arctic
regions.

These poor people have not been having a happy time of it.

This climate is so much warmer than their own and so different from it
in every respect, that they had not been here very long before they all
fell ill.

The attendants at the Natural History Museum, where they were taken,
said that they first learned there was anything the matter with their
charges by hearing them give voice to strange and grunting noises.

The party of Esquimaux were allowed to wander at will through the
museum, and they spent much of their time roaming from room to room
looking at the exhibits. No one interfered with them.

The museum is a place for study, and loud talking is never permitted.
When, therefore, the attendants heard these very peculiar grunts, they
began to look around to find who was daring to make so much noise.

I am afraid they suspected that some small boys were playing tricks.

They were much surprised to find that these dismal sounds came from the
Esquimaux.

One of the officials, being unable to pacify them, took them all in
charge and hurried them off to a quiet part of the building, sending at
the same time for a doctor.

On examination it was found that the poor creatures had caught cold from
the warmth of our climate, and were suffering from bronchitis.

They were all hurried off to Bellevue Hospital, where they were given
the kindest care.

It was found that they could not stand the heat of the hospital wards,
and so a nice cool cellar was prepared for them, and they gradually got
better.

Lieutenant Peary, who had been told of their illness, telegraphed from
the West, where he was lecturing, that they must have plenty of fresh
air; so, as soon as they were able to leave the hospital, they were
taken out of the city.

A cottage was hired for them at High Bridge, which is a little village
on the Harlem River, a few miles out of New York.

The Esquimaux are allowed to wander about there pretty much as they
please, and it is hoped they will continue in good health throughout the
winter.

They have not been able to do any work as yet, having been too ill to
attempt it. As soon as they are quite well again they will probably
begin their task, but great care will be taken to have the temperature
right for them the next time they are in the museum.