frequent in Eskimo skin-scrapers from Norton Sound and vicinity, and
exactly fits the thumb and the last three fingers. Marks 5 and 6 are
wanting. The index cavity is a _cul de sac_, into which the forefinger
is to be hooked when the implement is in use. Especial attention is
called to this characteristic because it occurs here for the first time
and will not be seen again after we pass Cape Vancouver. From Ungava to
Point Barrow the index-finger hole is eccentric and the finger passes
quite through the implement and to the right of the harpoon or
spear-shaft. In the Kotzebue type the index finger cavity is subjacent
to the spear-shaft groove, consequently the forefinger would be wounded
or at least in the way by passing through the stick. The spear or
harpoon-shaft groove is wide and shallow and passes immediately over the
index cavity. The hook is of ivory and stands up above the wood. It
needs only to be mentioned that this type, as well as those with
eccentric forefinger perforations are used with the naked hand.

In the quarto volume of Beechey's Voyage, page 324, is mentioned a
throwing-stick from Eschscholtz Bay, with a hole for the forefinger and
a notch for the thumb, the spear being placed in the groove and embraced
by the middle finger and the thumb. This last assertion is very
important. When I first began to examine a large number of the
implements, I could not explain the cavities for the finger-tips until
this note suggested that the shaft rides outside of and not under the
fingers. To test the matter I had a throwing-stick made to fit my hand,
and found that the spear could get no start if clamped close to the
throwing-stick by all the fingers; but if allowed to rest on the back of
the fingers or a part of them, and it is held fast, by the thumb and
middle finger, it had just that small rise which gave it a start from
the propelling instrument.