"built for one person's use as it [37] usually is - the frame is of light wood which is covered completely with seal hide, except in the middle where the user sits. Five hides, denuded of the hair, are needed for the cover. They are stretched over the frame while wet. and sewed together with sinew [x]. The covering must be accomplished at one sitting and is done by several women working together, like New England women at an old-fashioned quilting bee. Kayaks are cranky affairs, but the men paddle about in them fearlessly, goin' miles out from shore when hunting or fishing, protecting them- selves from dashing water with a seal- securely skin apron fastened around the cock- pit and tied about the body under the arms. A double-ended paddle