scription of the bay. The Esquimaux
manner of spearing salmon and trout. Christian deportment of
the Okkak and Hopedale Esquimaux. Jonas's address to the
Heathen. Love of music general among these Indians. Departure
from Nachvak. Danger in doubling the North Cape. Arrival at
Sangmiyok bay._
July 16th.--After two or three hours sleep in our cabin, we went on
shore. The Esquimaux, who had here a temporary station, about fifty in
number, received us with every mark of attention. Loud shouts of joy
resounded from all quarters, and muskets were fired in every direction.
They could scarcely wait with patience for our landing, and when we
pitched our tent, were all eager to assist; thus we were soon at home
among them. Seven tents were standing on the strand, and we found the
people here differing much in their manners from the people at Saeglek.
Their behaviour was modest and rather bashful, nor were we assailed by
beggars and importunate intruders, as at the latter place, where beggary
seemed quite the fashion, and proved very troublesome to us. But we had
no instance of stealing. Thieves are considered by the Esquimaux in
general with abhorrence, and with a thief no one is willing to trade. We
have discovered, however, that that propensity is not altogether wanting
in the northern Esquimaux, who, now and then, if they think that they
can do it without detection, will make a little free with their
neighbour's property.
The Esquimaux not only gave us a most hearty welcome, but attended our
morning and evening prayers with great silence and apparent devotion.
Indeed, to our great surprise, they behaved altogether with uncommon
decorum and regularity during our stay.
17th. Being detained with drift-ice at the mouth of the bay, we pitched
our tent on shore. We examined the bay more minutely. It extends to the
West to a considerable depth, and is not protected by any islands,
except a few rocks, at some distance in the sea. The surrounding
mountains are very high, steep, and barren, and verdure is found only in
the vallies. Here the _arnica montana_, which the Missionaries have
found of great use among the Esquimaux, grows in great abundance.
Salmon-trout are caught in every creek and inlet.
Like the salmon, they remain in the rivers and fresh-water lakes during
the winter, and return to the sea in spring. The Esquimaux about Okkak
and Saeglek, catch them in winter under the ice by spearing. For this
purpose,
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