XV.] ALGA FllOM BEHIUNG ISLAND. GIO 



was to start for Petropaiilovsk as soon as its cargo was on board, 

 had anchored by the side of the Vega two days after our arrival. 

 The steamer belonged to the Alaska Company, was named 

 the Alexander, was commanded by Captain Sandman, and was 

 manned ahnost exclusively by Swedes, Danes, Fins, and 



m 



ALOA FRuM THE SHORE OF BEHRING ISLAND. 



Thalassiophyllum Clatkriis, Post, and Rupr. 

 One-fouith of the natural size. 



Norwegians.^ We found on the Alexander two naturalists. Dr. 



^ The first European wlio welcomed us after the completion of the 

 North-east passage was a Fin now settled in California, from Bjorkboda 

 works in Kiniito jjarish, in which I had lived a great deal when a youth. 

 He was sent by the Alaska Company to do some work on Behring Island. 

 As we steamed towards the colony he rowed to meet us, and saluted us with 

 the cry " ar det Nordenskiold ? " (" Is it Nordenskiold ? ") His name was 

 Isak Andersson. 



