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.