sh skins from the common seal were rolled up and
kept in a warm place until the hair loosened, then stretched and dried,
and afterward scraped and worked until soft. These were employed to
make the upper portions of the summer waterproof boots and shoes. The
skin of the giant seal, treated in the same way, was used for boot
soles, the soles being crimped into shape by biting with the teeth. All
sewing was done with deer or whale sinew, the former being considered
the best. The same methods are yet employed for dressing skins and
making clothing as of old.

Lines for the seal spear, hauling lines for the boat or sled, and all
lashings, are made from the skin of the giant seal, treated as above,
then cut into long strings.

All the stone implements that were formerly in use have been rendered
obsolete by the introduction of iron, and it is now difficult to
procure any of these old reminders of the past.

XV

MUSIC

The Polarites have but two musical instruments, the "ahtooktoora," or
one-string fiddle, and the "calown," or one-headed drum. The latter is
by far the more important, being used on all festive occasions both to
beat time for the dancers and also to accompany the singers.

Many of the songs of these people relate fragments of tradition, while
others deal with a crude mythology. There is yet another class, looked
upon as prayers; some of these are very old, and are highly treasured
by the possessors, being guarded as great secrets. When a father is
about to pass away, he will call his son and impart to him the song as
a legacy. No one else is allowed to be present on such an occasion, it
being regarded in the same solemn light as a dying parent's blessing.
The son in his turn, when he has grown old, and is about ready to take
leave of the world, will impart the song to the next one in line of
inheritance. These heirlooms have descended through families from one
generation to another for an immense length of time. They are supposed
to have a mystic charm and are never sung loud, but are hummed in a low
voice. No outsider is allowed to learn the words or hear the tunes. If
a seal on the ice is very watchful, the hunter that has received such a
legacy will lie still and sing the magic words, at which the animal is
supposed to go to sleep and so be readily approached. The same is said
about the whale; if it has been struck, and there is danger of its
being lost, the initiated will sing the magic words