18& cook's voyage to may, 



was lighted, it soon thawed all the parts round it into 

 an absolute puddle. We admired much the alertness 

 and expedition with which the Kamtschadales erected 

 our marquee, and cooked our provisions; but what was 

 most unexpected, we found they had brought with 

 them their tea-kettles, considering it as the greatest of 

 hardships not to drink tea two or three times a day. 



We set out as soon as it was light in the morning, 

 and had not advanced far, before we were met by the 

 Toion, or chief of Karatchin, who had been apprized 

 of our coming, and had provided canoes that were 

 lighter, and better contrived for navigating the higher 

 parts of the river. A commodious vessel, consisting 

 of two canoes, lashed close together with cross spars, 

 lined with bear-skins, and furnished with fur cloaks, 

 was also provided for us. We now went on very 

 rapidly, the Toion 9 s people being both stout and fresh, 

 and remarkable for their expertness in this business^ 

 At ten we got to the ostrog, the seat of his command, 

 where we were received at the water-side by the Kamt- 

 schadale men and women, and some Russian servants 

 belonging to Fedositsch, who were employed in making 

 canoes. They were all drest out in their best clothes. 

 Those of the women were pretty and gay, consisting 

 of a full loose robe of white nankeen, gathered close 

 round the neck, and fastened with a collar of coloured 

 silk. Over this they wore a short jacket, without 

 sleeves, made of different coloured nankeens, and 

 petticoats of a slight Chinese silk. Their shifts, 

 which had sleeves down to the wrists, were also of 

 silk ; and coloured silk handkerchiefs were bound 

 round their heads, concealing entirely the hair of the 

 married women, whilst those who were unmarried, 

 brought the handkerchief under the hair, and suffered 

 it to flow loose behind. 



This ostrog was pleasantly situated by the side of 



the river; and consisted of three log-houses; three 



jourtSy or houses made under ground ; and nineteen 



balagans, or summer habitations. We were conducted 



15 



