Page:A description of Greenland.djvu/172

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
130
The Natural Hiſtory

Between the Leathern Frock and the under Coat, they wear a Linen Shirt, or for want of Linen, made of Seal Guts; which alſo helps to keep out the Water from the under Coat. Of late they appear ſometimes in more gaudy Dreſſes, as Shirts made of ſtriped Linen, and Coats and Breeches of red and blue Stuffs, or Cloth, (which they buy of ours, or the Dutch Merchants) but faſhioned after their own Way; in theſe they make Parade and Feaſt, when they keep Holidays on Shore. The Stockings they wore formerly were made of Rain-Deer, or Seal Skin, but now they like better our ſort of worſted Stockings, of different Colours, White, Blue and Red, which they buy of us. Their Shoes and Boots are made of Seal Skins, Red or Yellow, well dreſſed and tanned; they are nicely wrought, with Folds behind and before, without Heels, and fit well upon the Foot[1].

The
  1. In the Summer they wear ſhort Frocks, as alſo in Winter, when they work on the Ice in the Bays; but then they put a white Covering over it, that they may not frighten the Seals.