24th.  David roused us about five o’clock, by firing at a seal, which he killed.  The women went on shore to cook it with some geese.  When they returned, we all breakfasted on the contents of their pot.

The Esquimaux want no books of cookery to manage their kitchen affairs.  The meat is boiled with the blood in it, and the addition of some water.  When it is sufficiently done, that is, according the Ungava custom, when half warm, the women take it out of the pot, and serve it up on a piece of stone, if on shore, and on a piece of board, if at sea.  Then the person, who has caught the seal or game, proclaims with great vociferation, that the men may come and sit down to eat.  Such exertion of voice, however, seems hardly necessary, as the Esquimaux are very acute at hearing, when they are invited to dinner.  When the men have done, the women sit down, having taken good care, beforehand, that their share is secured.  The Esquimaux customs never permit men and women to sit down together at a meal.

It sometimes happens among the heathen Esquimaux, that several having had good success, one huntsman’s feast is hardly over, before another proclaims the invitation to his banquet.  This is never suffered to pass unnoticed, while the power of cramming down another morsel remains.  Thus they will continue eating, till they are scarcely able to breathe, and then lie down to sleep off the effects of their gluttony.  Indeed their excessive voraciousness on such occasions produces, especially after long fasting, all the symptoms of drunkenness.  They forget, under its sensual influence, all moderation, and abandon themselves to the most disgusting abominations.

In the afternoon we steered W. by N. (wind N.E.), for the cape of Kernerauyak, at the east side of the entrance of the river Koksoak, (Sand river).  Before we arrived at the cape, we left some islands to the South, the largest of which is again called Kikkertarsoak.  Saeglorsoak, is a large flat island, about eight or ten miles long, and its neighbourhood very dangerous, on account of many sunken rocks.  The continent hereabouts is well wooded, and Indians are said to be frequently seen in the interior.  The mouth of the Koksoak is seven or eight English miles broad:  its shores steep, but the rocks in general low, and covered with moss.  The Esquimaux say, that in the middle there is water enough for any large ship, though the tides prevent any near approach to the land.  At sunset we came to an anchor at the mouth of the river.

CHAPTER XII.

Sail up the river Koksoak.  Transactions in that region.  Dangerous eddy.  Meet Esquimaux.  Address to them.  Their joy and eagerness to have Missionaries, resident among them.  Find a suitable situation for a settlement.  Description of the country.

August 25th.—­This was the joyful day on which at last we saw our hopes realized, and the principal