The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-09-04

Holstenborg. II is hard to imagine anything more
hopeless looking than the miserable huts and pens
which nestle at the base Of the lofty crags which
almost surround the settlement When as noon, a
party landed rom the vessel, horde OF the ma
tfves came trooping along and, standing little
eminence, viewed us with an expression OF wonder
II we had fallen from the sky. They were mostly
females, and once more the prominent characters
tics of the Esquimau ladies-bubber ana bull
bousness- compelled attention from the passer-by.
The novels were in keeping with the people-low,
dingy nests, reeking with various combinations,
and in sople places unit for the veriest criminals
unhung. But no cloud OF sorrow seemed to mar
their contentment. They were happy in
their dirt and simplicity, and the worlds
cares evidently brought no pain to them.
While not regarded in the light of invaders It
took some time before their CONSERVATION sub
sided to ordinary SURPRISE But 1t was not difncult
to make friends OF them, and the purchase of few
trivial articles soon put them in the best OF humor
The journey through the rabbit hole was repeated,
another fiddler emerged from dark corner, moro
scraping followed, ana at length, unable to With
stand the charms OF the enlivenng strains, TWO
broad-shouldered little women entertained us with
q characteristic dance OF the breakdown ORDER
and didn't blow biz after fifteen minutes uuin-
terrupted shuffiing on the sandy moor. A liberal
distribution OF tobacco among the men and few
trinKets among the ladies' frightened every face
IN the party and it is safe to say that they would
have continued dancing to this hour had our de-
parture not suddenly put an end to the Festivities
FAMILIAR FACES ON STRANGE GROUND.
Even the well-t0-do Jersey mosquito, In the prime
Of life with all his proverbal vigor and tenacity,
would cut but q sorry figure compared with the
sturdy and determined DULLES that infest these
quarters. After slight rainfall aparty prepared
to ascend the adjacent cliffs, when cloud OF
Greenland mosquitoes commenced to harp0On US
In the neck and face. We were evidently relish
for the relentless monsters, which they were bound
to enjoy at all hazards. Once beaten OF, they re-
newed the attack, Idon't know how many millions
strong, and although whole regiments fell gorged
the ranks Of the dead were rapidly filed up by gaunt
and hungry gluttOns. The assault had been sudden,
and we were entirely unprepared for the emer-
gency, so that, unable to Withstand the ravenous
ferocity OF the foe, we ned the ground. l am con-
WINGED that the Greenland mosquito Is not to be
trined with, even under any circumstance, and
that the attractions Of HOsteinbOrg are not sufi-
ciently great to induce visit of very long dura-
ton.
DEVOTION OF THE EsQUIMAUx AT PRAYER.
Whatever may be the peculiarities of the Esqui-
maux in this section of the desolate land, they
have trait which Is not unworthy Of imitation
in more civilized quarters. When the little church
bell toled yesterday morning for service every
seat was occupied before the last sound died
away. Contrary to the refined and fashionable
habit OF coming late and creating q mOmen-
tary fiutter among the congregation, the
Esqumaux were punctual in their attendance The
church is little wooden edifce, with seats for
about 100 persons and 1t Is totally de-
void OF any attempt at decoration; but
the absence OF works OF art Is fully compensated
by the devOutness OF the people, who, following
the doctrines Of Luther in O primitive manner, are
content in the possession OF building however
plain and unpretending wherein they can assem-
BILE to pay tributes OF praise and thankfulness to
|. the Almighty The minister was absent ut dis
tant settlement, but his post was occupied by the
schoolmaster, who offlcates both as Organist and
preacher. The males sat on the right and the
females on the left. and their decorum
throughout the service was exemplary, while
the hymns were chanted In manner
that failed not to create feeling OF
admiration on the part Of the strangers present
Both men and women were, of course, arrayed IN
their best-that is, the seal-skins OF the former
! were newer and the ribbons Of the latter more
snowy than on week days. ! may add That the
| closest observation failed to detect that rare &C.
| cOmplishment, in which some intelligent damsels
such adopts, OF figuring to ten cent stamp the
neighbors, more especially when exposed to scru-
tiny within the four walls Of church. Many Of the
Esquimaux read toerably well, but imagine that
the billet OF schoolmaster OF Holsteinborg not
enviable one.
THE JUNIArA-FATE OF THE POLARIs.
dense fog prevails outside the harbOr 1t is
impossible to see ships length ahead, and still
worse the prospect OF its clearing Off Is not at all
encouraging. The Juniata, in consequence, is still
at anchor having been detained from the same
cause since Saturday night. We are ready to sail
at any moment, and only await the opportunity.
There is not a sick man on board the ship, and a
more harmonious company never sailed for the
Arctic Sea. Commander Braine, who, throughout
the entire voyage, has exercised the greatest
vigilance, unremittlng attention and judicious
foresight, his officers and crew. are con-
fdent OF the Of the expedition
Danish brig called in here about a
fortnight since but had not heard anything Of the
Polaris and crew. IL is not probable, however,
that the missing vessel has yet been able to leave
her winter quarters, which are generally believed
to be in the vicinity OF Northumberland Island.
The impression prevails that In the POlaris is
hOpelessly crippled, BuddIngtOn and his party will
avail themselves OF passage on some English
whaler and proceed to some port where the au-
thorities at home can he communicated with. On
the other hand, IL Is thougnt tnat the party may
remain frozen IN until the end OF July, when, with
the assistance Of the Esqulmaux they would start
Tor Cape York. But it is idle to speculate on
subject which can only be determined by
actual search cost what it may. How
long 1t may take has yet to be ascertained,
and the task once undertaken, cannot be
abandoned without definite and satisfactory
results. There may yet be sadder and
more tragic tale In store for the community than
that which the miraculous rescue OF Tyson's party
developed Who can tell what terrible scenes may
have occurred WITHIN the last ten months in a re-
gon OF perpetual ice and snow, where comfort is
unknown and where the dust OF heroes has long
since been scattered with the winds AS the faint
and uncertain gimmer Of distant light buoys up
the sinking traveller in his lonely path, so must
hope sustain the missing ones in whatever place
their present lot is cast If alive they cannot