Page:Across the sub-Arctics of Canada (1897).djvu/163

 CHAPTER XI.

CUSTOMS OF THE ESKIMOS.

Deer-hunting is perhaps the most favored and remunerative occupation of the Eskimos. In some districts seal and other animals are extensively sought, but the reindeer is the universal stand-by. It is hunted with the bow and arrow or spear, and with guns as well, when these can be obtained.

Having already stated that the only wood obtainable by the Eskimos is broken fragments of driftwood, the inquiry may arise, Where do they get material from which to make bows? The answer is, that lacking material for making such bows as are ordinarily used, their ingenuity comes to the rescue and designs a composite bow, which answers the purpose equally well. This implement of the chase is, in the first place, made either of pieces of wood or of horn, neatly joined together. In order to give it strength and elasticity, a stout plaited sinew cord is stretched from end to end, around the convexity of the bow, and then twisted until it is brought to the required tension. By this mode of construction, when the bow is drawn the wood or horn is only subjected to a compressive strain, while the sinew thong takes up the tension.

Thus very powerful bows are made, though of rough