a mineral substance ranked among gems, which derives its name from the colour resembling that of the nail of the finger. See CARNELIAN, under MINERALOGY, p. 167.

ONALASHKA, one of the islands of the Northern Archipelago, visited by Captain Cook in his last voyage. The native inhabitants of this island are, to all appearances, a very peaceable people, having been much polished by the Russians, who now keep them in a state of subjection. As the island furnishes them with subsistence, so it does, in some measure, with clothing, which is chiefly composed of skins. The upper garment, which is made like a waggoner's frock, reaches down to the knees. Besides this, they wear a waistcoat or two, a pair of breeches, a fur cap, and a pair of boots, the legs of which are formed of some kind of strong gut; but the soles and upper-leathers are of Russia leather. Fish and other sea animals, birds, roots, berries, and even sea weed, compose their food. They dry quantities of fish during the summer, which they lay up in small huts for their use in winter. They did not appear to be very desirous of iron, nor to want any other instrument, except sewing needles, their own being formed of bone.

With these they sew their canoes, and make their clothes, and also work their curious embroidery. They use, instead of thread, the fibres of plants, which they split to the thickness required. All sewing is performed by the females, who are shoemakers, tailors, and boat-builders. They manufacture mats and baskets of grass, which are both strong and beautiful. There is indeed a neatness and perfection in most of their works, that shows they are deficient neither in ingenuity nor perseverance.

Though the climate is sometimes severe, Captain Cook did not observe a fire-place in any of their habitations. They are lighted as well as heated by lamps; which, though simple, effectually answer the purpose for which they are intended. They consist of a flat stone, hollowed on one side like a plate; in the hollow part they put the oil, mixed with some dry grass, which serves for a wick. Both sexes often warm themselves over one of these lamps, by placing it between their legs, under their garments, and sitting thus over it for several minutes. W. Long. 163. 29. N. Lat. 53. 5.