34 8 AVOYAGETO 



1779- from Muller*, that, in his time, they were exceedingly 



Oftober. . - , 



plentiful. 



The RufTian voyagers make mention of a great variety of 

 amphibious fea-animals, which are faid to frequent thefe 

 coafls : the reafon why we faw no other kinds might be, 

 that this was the feafon of their migration. 



Not having it in my power to treat thefe articles more 

 fully, I conclude them with the lefs regret, fince the inge- 

 nious Mr. Pennant, has a work, almoft ready for publica- 

 tion, intitled, Arclic Zoology ; in which the learned will re- 

 ceive fall information concerning the animals of this penin- 

 fula. This Gentleman has very obligingly communicated 

 to me his Catalogue of Arclic Animals, with references 

 to his Work, and permiflion to infert it. It will be found 

 at the end of this Chapter ; and I feel myfelf extremely 

 happy in laying it before the Reader, and thereby pre- 

 fenting him with what could have been furnifhed from 

 no other quarter, one intire view of Kamtfchadalc zoology. 



Fifh may be confidered as the flaple article of food with 

 which Providence hath fupplied the inhabitants of this pc- 

 ninfula j who, in general, muft never expect to draw any 

 confiderable part of their fuftenance either from grain or 

 cattle. It is true, the foil, as has been remarked, affords 

 fome good and nourifhing roots, and every part of the 

 country abounds in berries ; but though thefe alone would 

 be infufficient for the fupport of the people, yet, at the fame 

 time, they are necefTary correctives of the putrefcent qua- 

 lity of their dried fifh. In fliort, fifh may, with much 

 greater juftice, be here called the ftaff of life, than bread 



* Englifli Tranfl.ition, p. 59. 



is 



