JOURNEY TO IRKUTSK. 349 



prosecute further search for the missing members of the 

 Jeannette's crew. We reached Irkutsk after twenty-one 

 days' journey over some 1,900 miles of cold, rough country, 

 passing on the way through the villages of Larinsk and 

 Yitimsk. 



At Larinsk I saw a gang of some fifty conscripts, all 

 young men. They were going to "jine the army," and 

 were in charge of a squad of Cossacks, who sang a sort of 

 chorus in place of drum and fife as they marched along. 

 The rear was brought up by weeping women and children. 

 The principal stores in this place (there were but two or 

 three) were dram-shops. Vodka, or Russian rum, was the 

 liquor mostly sold ; next in demand were a cheap native 

 wine, and a kind of beer called pevo. In many houses a 

 beverage made from black bread and called quas is used. 

 The vodka is detestable, though when spiced it often finds 

 its way among the upper classes. The wine, or molifka, is 

 sometimes good, though intoxicating. Pevo and quas are 

 very good indeed, and wholesome, safe beverages. 



Our next stopping place was Yitimsk. Here are situated 

 the works of the " River Steamship Company ; " the mana- 

 ger was Mr. Lee, an Englishman, and a hearty welcome 

 met us at his hands. We remained here over night, and 

 next day pushed on in two detachments for Irkutsk. Mr. 

 Lee built three new povoshkas or sleds for us, working his 

 men all night that we might not be delayed ; furthermore, 

 he would accept nothing for his labors. Thus equipped, 

 with parting salutes to our friends, we moved away towards 

 Irkutsk. 



We were met on the outskirts of Irkutsk by a Cossack 

 soldier who looked at our pordorhosna or road pass, after 

 which we were escorted to the residence of M. Strikosky, 

 secretary to the Lieutenant-Governor. Lieutenant Danen- 

 hower with his detachment of the party had arrived before 

 us. As I walked up the steps a gentleman came forward 

 and with a pleasant smile said : " These are the rest of the 

 Jeannette party ; how do you do ? " " Oh ! " I said, " you 



