12 ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 



in nearly exterminating the Kamtschatkans. 

 Although subsequent regulations restrained the 

 disorders of the wild Cossacks, the population 

 is still very thin ; but under a wise and careful 

 government it will certainly increase. 



The name of Kamtschatka, pronounced 

 Kantschatka, conferred by the Russians, was 

 adopted from the native appellation of the great 

 river flowing through the country. This river 

 derived its name, according to tradition, from 

 Kontschat, a warrior of former times, who had 

 a stronghold on its banks. It is strange that 

 the Kamtschatkans had no designation either 

 for themselves or their country. They called 

 themselves simply men, as considering them- 

 selves either the only inhabitants of the earth, or 

 so far surpassing all others, as to be alone worthy 

 of this title. On the southern side of the pe- 

 ninsula, the aborigines are believed to have 

 been distinguished by the name of Itelmen ; but 

 the signification of this word remains uncertain. 

 The Kamtschatkans acknowledged an Al- 

 mighty Creator of the world, whom they called 

 Kutka. They supposed that he inhabited the 

 heavens; but had at one time dwelt in human 



