and allowed to freeze. The builders stand in the inside while working, so that
when the dome is finished they are completely shut in. With the snow-knife
they then cut a door about two feet high on one side. From this they build out
along, low passage-way, by which the hut is entered, and which keeps out the
wind and snow, and lets in air. This opening is seldom closed, except at night,
and then to keep out the dogs and wolves. In some instances small windows
are cut in the sides, and
thin pieces of ice used for
glass. Oftentimes covered
passages are built from
one hut toanother. When
all is done, the house is
banked up with snow for
several feet, and snow
thrown lightly over the
top. The snow which is
cut out in making the door-
way is used to make a
wide bank or shelf about
three feet high along one
side of the hut. This is the
family bed, which they call
breck. It isthe work of the
women toarrange the beds,
and prepare the lamps for
light, warmth, and cook-
ing. The bed is first cov-
ered with moss to a depth
of several inches, and then
covered with reindeer or
seal skins. Other skins
are sewed together for
covers at night. Couches
along the side are madein
the same way. The lamps are of soapstone, much like a clam-shell in shape.
They look more like a dish than a lamp, and are filled with oil from the blubber
of the whale and seal. Along the straight edge of the lamp is a wick made of
moss, which burns quite brightly. The women keep the lamp from smoking,
and keep it supplied with blubber, large pieces of which are put in the lamp.