THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 2cr 



dogs are, in fliape, fomewhat like the Pomeranian breed, but '~ 7 9- 

 confiderably larger. < J—~* 



As we did not choofe to trufl to our own fkill, we had 

 each of us a man to drive and guide the Hedge, which, 

 from the ftate the roads were now in, proved a very labo- 

 rious bufinefs. For, as the thaw had advanced very confi- 

 derably in the vallies, through which our road lay, we were 

 under the neceflity of keeping along the fides of the hills ; 

 and this obliged our guides, who were provided with fnow- 

 fhoes for that purpofe, to fupport the fledges, on the lower 

 fide, with their moulders, for fcveral miles together. I had 

 a very good-humoured CofTack to attend me, who was, 

 however, fo very unfkilful in his bufmefs, that we were 

 overturned almofl every minute, to the great entertainment 

 of the reft of the company. Our party confided, in all, of 

 ten fledges. That in which Captain Gore was carried, was 

 made of two lafhed together, and abundantly provided with 

 furs and bear-fkins ; it had ten dogs, yoked four abrcafl; as 

 had alfo fome of thofe that were heavy laden with baggage. 



When we had proceeded about four miles, it began to 

 rain ; which, added to the darknefs of the night, threw us 

 all into confufion. It was at laft agreed, that we fhould re- 

 main, where we were, till day-light ; and accordingly we 

 came to anchor in the fnow (for I cannot better exprefs the 

 manner in which the fledges were fecured), and wrapping 



feems to me to deferve entire credit ; and whofe authority I Jhall, therefore, frequently 

 have recourfe to ; relates inftances of this kind, that are much more furprifing. 

 " Travelling parties," fays he, " are often overtaken with dreadful ftorms of fnow, 

 " on the approach of which, they drive, with the utmo ft precipitation, into the neareji 

 " wood, and there are obliged to ftay, till the tempefr, which frequently lairs fix or 

 " fevendays, is over ; the dogs remaining all this while quiet and inofFenfive ; ex- 

 " cept that, fometimes, when preft by hunger, they will devour their reins, and the 

 ** other leathern parts of the harnefs." 



Hijlory and Defniption of Kamtfchatka, by Krafchiniuihff.. 



i ourielves- 



