DESCBIPTION OF EACH ISLAND AND TEE STRAITS. 59 



To the north of the Cygnet rocks are two small coves, in one of 

 which is the station of Toshiure, where there are one or two Ainu 

 houses. Small vessels can take shelter here, and obtain wood 

 and water. There are no villages or places of importance on the 

 south-east coast of Yetorup. 



The Okhotsk or north-west coast of Yetorup has a much longer 

 shore-line than the Pacific or south-eastern side, owing to the three 

 or four peninsulas which project from the main part of the 

 island. All the principal settlements and fishing stations are on 

 this side, the reason being that the lakes and streams are more 

 numerous, the coast is more easily fished ; and, further, it is the 

 lee side of the island during the summer mouths, and consequently 

 freer from fogs. At the north-east end of the island is Bear Bay, 

 about 5| miles across, and 2J deep. The small station of Mo3^eru 

 is here. 



The principal villages and fishing stations of Yetorup are 

 Furebets (the official capital), Shana, Naibo, Bettobu, Shibetoro, 

 Sukeya, Rubets, Rouse, Makoimai, Moyeru, Toshiure, Toshimori, 

 Tanemoi, Mohekiohi, and Oito. The total population was 1343 

 in 1890. There are no good harbours with complete shelter. 



The lower hills and plains are well wooded with birch, pine, 

 alder, etc. Sasa (bamboo grass), nettles, fuhi (petasites), and 

 various umbelliferous plants and other coarse vegetation grow 

 so thickly that it is almost impossible to get about the island, 

 except up the watercourses or by the beaten tracks. 



Bears were formerly very numerous in Yetorup. A few wolves 

 exist, but they are rarely seen. Foxes are plentiful, as are also 

 land-otters. Martens and hares also exist. 



Bird life is identical with that of Kunashir and the eastern 

 part of Yezo. I have never met with any reptiles on the island. 

 With the exception of flies, mosquitoes, and sand-flies, which are 

 great pests, insects are not numerous. 



Previous to 1875 sea-otters in considerable numbers frequented 

 the south-east coast of this island ; but the hunting of this 

 valuable animal has been so keenly pursued by the Japanese from 

 the shore, as well as from vessels under foreign flags, that they 

 have been all but exterminated. Several thousands have been 

 captured, and nearly all were sent to the London market. 



Sea-lions are found on a rookery at the south-west end, on 



