[Illustration: ESKIMO HOUSES.]

Visits of the Eskimoes to my room, however, took up much precious time
of the missionary requested to interpret, so I preferred to get one of
the pastors to accompany me on a round of calls in the village. Let my
visits to the native-helpers at Nain give a view of the interiors of
some of the better dwellings.

_Wednesday, August 22nd._--Mr. Bourquin kindly conducted me to the
homes of Jonathan, Abraham, and Matthew. Through the little porch or
vestibule, where the dogs lie, one enters the house. Sometimes there
are two rooms, one for sleeping and the other the dwelling room; but
mostly the beds are in corners, more or less partitioned or curtained
off. A little stove serves for warmth and cooking. A small table
stands by the wall, and there are one or two short benches, but the
articles of furniture most frequent are the boxes, which accompany the
Eskimo in his nomad life, and hold his possessions, whether he be in
his house at home, in his boat fishing, or in his tent at some distant
hunting place. The walls of the houses are ornamented here and there
with pictures cut out of old _Illustrated London News_ or _Graphics_.
Some remains of Christmas ornamentation showed considerable taste. The
present is not a favourable season to gain a good impression of the
houses, as their owners are most of their time away from home hunting
and fishing. Before Christmas they have a thorough turn out and clean
up, and then await the usual visit from their missionaries, who wisely
speak a word of commendation where it is deserved. Undoubtedly the
invariable neatness of the mission-houses, and the special care
bestowed upon the churches, have a great influence on the cleanliness
of the Eskimo dwellings.