52 THE JEANNETTE ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



over 2,000 feet up the steep side of the nearest mountain. It 

 may be the amusement of a small mind, but it was great fun 

 to detach several large bowlders of a ton or more and see 

 them go tearing and thundering down the rocky incline. 

 Among other things there was noticeable on the side of this 

 mountain a tunnel under the snow of several hundred feet in 

 length. It had been caused by a brisk stream, and reminded 

 one of a sewer some eight or ten feet in height. 



" After exploring this somewhat curious sight, my atten- 

 tion was next directed to the herd of deer coming slowly 

 down the valley. Pretty, quiet, meek-looking animals they 

 were as they stood chewing their cuds, and allowing them- 

 selves to be photographed without the least fear. So tame 

 and gentle were they that I patted and stroked a number of 

 them. The herd, numbering something less than two hun- 

 dred, were of different colors, several being perfectly white, 

 and others fawn-colored, while several were spotted like cir- 

 cus-horses, and most of them were shedding the hairy muffle 

 from their horns, which, in several instances, was hanging 

 in shreds, and obstructing their eyesight. 



" Selecting two young males from the herd, they were 

 killed and skinned, and one of the young men, stripping 

 himself to the waist, and being assisted by two others, took 

 the carcasses to the boat for us ; and after paying him in 

 tobacco, flour, and several small articles, we hastened down 

 the bay as fast as the little launch could run." 



August 27th found the Corwin returning northward. A 

 short stop was made at the Diomedes on the 28th. Over 

 the tops of these islands hung dense, misty clouds, unmoved 

 by a sharp northeast gale, which seemed only to have the 

 effect of producing the phenomena known as cloud banners. 

 Among other things seen at the Diomedes was a collection 

 of ivory carvings toys, spinning-tops, chairs, etc. As the 

 boat approached shore a number of girls stopped playing, 

 and sat their dolls up in a row, so that they might get a 

 good look at the strangers. 



At noon, on the 30th of August, the blue peaks of Wran- 



