NOTE. 



By PROFESSOR JOHN MILNE, P.R.S. 



The only maps in which very many of the places mentioned 

 in the following notes can be found are the Admiralty Charts, 

 numbered 2128 and 240o.* Any one wlio compares these notes 

 and charts, tlie originals of which were drawn by Captain H. J. 

 Snow, with the scanty literature and imperfect maps previously 

 existing, will at once recognize how very much has been accom- 

 plished by the patience and perseverance of an individual. New 

 rocks and shoals have been indicated, whilst supposed dangers 

 of a like character have been removed. The position of islands 

 have been corrected relatively and in longitude, whilst anchorages* 

 tide rips, watering-places, sea-lion and seal rookeries, have been 

 located and described. The shortest route between Vancouver 

 and certain ports on the Asiatic coast has been freed from un- 

 certainties and dangers, while Canadian-Pacific steamers, whalers, 

 and a large fleet of pelagic hunters have now harbours of refuge 

 opened which may be approached with comparative safety. In 

 short, after shipwrecks, risks, and dangers, the escapes from which 

 have often seemed incredible, independently of the geological, 

 natural history, and general scientific notes which have been 

 collected, Captain H. J. Snow, whilst sacrificing by his publica- 

 tions his own professional interests as a hunter, has entitled 

 himself to recognition from all who navigate and patrol the 

 fog-bound shores of the rocky Kurils. 



Shide, Newport, I.W., 



October 19, 1S96. 



* Appended to Ibis memoir. 



