investigation will destroy some of
the types herein enumerated or merge two more of them into one; but it
will not destroy the fact that in changing from one environment to
another the hyperboreans were driven to modify their throwing-stick.

A still more interesting inquiry is that concerning the origin of the
implement. It is hardly to be supposed that the simplest type, that of
Anderson River, was invented at once in its present form, for the
Australian form is ruder still, having neither hole for the index finger
nor groove for the weapon shaft. When we recall that the chief benefit
conferred by the throwing-stick is the ability to grasp firmly and
launch truly a greasy weapon from a cold hand, we naturally ask, have
the Eskimo any other device for the same purpose? They have. On the
shaft of the light-seal harpoon, thrown without the stick, and on the
heavy, ivory-weighted walrus-harpoon-shaft an ivory hand-rest is lashed
just behind the center of gravity. This little object is often
beautifully carved and prevents effectually the hand from slipping on
the shaft, even with the greatest lunge of the hunter. From this object
to the throwing-stick the way may be long and crooked, or there may be
no way at all. So far as the National Museum is concerned there is
nothing to guide us over this waste of ignorance.

THROWING-STICKS IN THE U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM.

------+------------------------------------------+----------------------
No. | Locality. | Collector.
------+------------------------------------------+----------------------
32995 | Norton's Sound, Alaska | E.W. Nelson.
30013 | Cumberland Gulf | W.A. Mintzner, U.S.N.
33942 | Norton's Sound, Alaska | E.W. Nelson.
33897 | do. | Do.
33960 | do. | Do.
24336 | Saint Michael's Sound, Alaska | Lucien M. Turner.
24337 | do. | Do.
24338 | do. | Do.
46052 | Port Clarence, Alaska | W.H. Dall.
46053 | do. | Do.
49036 | Rasbonisky, L. Yukon | E.W. Nelson.
38849 | Yukon River | Do.
38605 | do. | Do.
36014 | Kushunuk, Sabotnisky, Alaska | Do.