Alaska -- Antiquities; Eskimos; Eskimos -- Anthropometry; Indians of North America -- Alaska; Indians of North America -- Yukon
A little town (village), on a flat promontory. An old consumptive
storekeeper--no knowledge of any old implements or skeletal remains.
Lowden village moved here due to mine opposite and better site. About
10 Indian houses here; inhabitants now mostly in fishing camps.
From Galena down, low shores and islands as on the Tanana, as far as
can be seen, with mountains, grayish blue, in far distance (and only
occasional glimpses). River never less than three-fourths of a mile and
sometimes together with its sloughs and islands several miles broad.
Some geese; occasional rabbit seen on land; otherwise but little life.
First gulls.
The Indians at Ruby and Galena show here and there an Eskimoid type,
with the younger nearly all mix bloods (with whites). Full bloods of
same type as all along the river, brachycephalic, low to moderate
high vault of head, moderate to medium (rarely above) stature, medium
brown, noses not prominent, concavo-convex, moderately convex or
nearly straight, Indian cast of the face, but quite a few more or less
Eskimoid. Not very bright.
Sit in the bottom of the scow, in front, before the stove and make
notes. When we stop, jump out to tie the boat; when leaving, push it
off. Getting sunburnt dark. Forgetting once again that I have a stomach
or any other organ. Only sleep, never fully, much less than ought to;
but even that is somehow much more bearable here than it would be at
home.
6.45 p. m. Suddenly, after a turn, confronted with a steep rocky
promontory about 500 feet high--stratified mud rocks. On side, high
above, a tall white cross; learn later an Indian murdered a bishop
here. A little farther, on a flat below the slope, a small settlement.
A remarkable landmark, known as the Bishop's Rock. Afterwards again
flats, but some more elevated than before to the left. River like a
great looking-glass. Same character of vegetation and colors as farther
above, but details varied.
At Ruby had made a genuine, effective, Alaska mosquito netting, and
so now feel quite independent of the pest; also have two bottles of
mosquito oil, which helps. Fortunately on the water we are not bothered.
Toward night reach Koyukuk River, and later on, Koyukuk village, a
pleasant row of houses, white and native, on a high bank. Here, at
last, pass one good night, sleeping under good mosquito netting in the
house and on the bed of an Italian trader. Also had good supper of
salmon, and good breakfast of bacon and eggs, and so feel rested and
strong.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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