246 VOYAGE TO THE 



several iiltcralioiis have been made, probably in con- 

 sequence of the suggestions in his publication. The 

 seat of government is now fixed at Pctropaulski, the 

 town is considerably improved, and the inhabitants are 

 better supplied than formerly. Still nuich remains to 

 be accomplished before Pctropaulski can be of conse- 

 quence in any way, except in aftbrding an excellent 

 asylum for vessels. In this respect it is almost un- 

 equalled, being very secure, and admirably adapted to 

 the purpose of any vessel requiring repair ; but for 

 this she will have to depend entirely upon her own 

 resources, as there is nothing to be had in the country 

 but fish, wood, water, and fresh beef. 



The population of the town at the beginning of the 

 winter of 1826 was not more than three hundred and 

 eighty-five persons, exclusive of the government esta- 

 blishment : the occupation of the people consists prin- 

 cipally in curing fish and providing for a long win- 

 ti^r, during which, with the exception of those per- 

 sons who go into the interior for furs, there is very 

 little to occupy the inhabitants. 



There are no manufactures in the country, nor any 

 establishments which require notice. The inhabitants 

 have an idea that the climate is too cold to produce 

 crops of wheat and other grain, and neglect almost 

 entirely the cultivation of the soil. The consequence 

 of this is, that they occasionally suffer very much from 

 scurvy, and are dependant upon the supplies which are 

 sent from St. Petersburgh every second year for all 

 their farinaceous food ; and if these vessels are lost 

 ihe greatest distress ensues. Many attempts have 

 been made to persuade them to attend to agriculture ; 

 rewards have been offered by the government for the 

 finest productions ; and seeds are distributed to the 



