The Yukon River Eskimo use a throwing-stick quite similar to the Norton Sound type.  The characteristics are very pronounced.  Thumb-groove deep, index-finger cavity so long as to include the first joint.  The hook for the spear-end formed by the edge of a plug of hard wood.  The middle finger is separated by a deep groove and peg.  The ring and little finger are inclosed by the peg and a sharp projection at the upper end of the handle.

NUNIVAK ISLAND AND CAPE VANCOUVER TYPE.

In this region a great change comes over the throwing-stick, just as though it had been stopped by Cape Romanzoff, or new game had called for modification, or a mixing of new peoples had modified their tools (Figs. 15-17).  The index-finger cavity and the hole for the index finger are here dropped entirely, after extending from Greenland uninterruptedly to Cape Romanzoff.  The handle is conspicuously wide, while the body of the implement is very slender and light.  The thumb-groove is usually chamfered out very thoroughly so as to fit the flexor muscle conveniently.  There are frequently finger-grooves and finger-tip cavities in addition to the pegs.  The cavity for the index finger having disappeared, provision is made for that important part of the hand by a separate peg and groove.  The middle finger is also pegged off, and the last two fingers have to shift for themselves.  The hook for the shaft of the weapon has a fine point like a little bead, the whole implement being adapted to the light seal-harpoon darts.  Mr. Dall collected a large number of two-pegged sticks from Nunivak Island and four three-pegged sticks labeled the same.  Mr. Nelson also collected four three-pegged sticks, but labels them Kushunuk; Cape Vancouver, on the mainland opposite Nunivak (Fig. 17).  In these three-pegged sticks the ring-finger and the little finger are inclosed together.  This should be compared with Mr. Turner’s Saint Michael specimen, in which the last three fingers are inclosed together (Fig. 14).  It remains to be seen and is worthy of investigation whether crossing a narrow channel would add a peg to the throwing-stick.  One of these Nunivak specimens is left-handed.

BRISTOL BAY TYPE.

The throwing-stick from Bristol Bay resembles in general characteristics those from Nunivak Island and Cape Vancouver.  In outline it has the shape of the broadsword.  Its cross-section is bayonet-shaped.  It has no distinct handle beyond a slight projection from the end.  The thumb-groove is shallow and chamfered on the lower side to fit exactly.  There is a long, continuous notch for the four fingers, in which the index finger and the middle finger are set off by pegs.  There is a depression, more or less profound, to receive the tips of the fingers.  The groove for the harpoon or spear-shaft is at the lower extremity and runs out entirely near the index finger.  The ivory plug at its lower extremity is beveled to receive a notch in the end of the spear or harpoon shaft (Figs. 18-19).