Description of the Reynaiis of a Mammoth. 145 



The isthmus ue liave mentioned is so narrow at some 

 places that the sea may be seen on both sides. The rein- 

 deer perform a periodical transmigration every year, durinli 

 which they ab-nidon these places, in order to proceed by the 

 Frozen Sea towards Borschaya and Uitjansk, and t'oi this 

 purpose they collect in largH troops about autumn. In order 

 to hunt these animals with grtatcr prospect of success, the 

 Toungouses have divided the peninsula into cantons, 'sepa- 

 rated by palings. They iViglitcn the deer by loud cries, 

 which they utter all at once, by letting dogs loose at them, 

 and by fans -.vhich they attach to the palings, and which are 

 agitated by the wind. The terrified rein-deer throw them- 

 selves into the water in order to reach some neighbourina: 

 island, where they are pursued and killed by the hunters. 



On the third day of our journey we pi-tched our tents a 

 few hundred paces from the mammoth, upon a hillock called 

 Kembisagashaeta, which signifies the stone with the broad 

 side. 



Schoumachoff related to me the history of the discovery 

 of the mammoth in nearly the following terms : — 



*' The Toungouses, who area wandering people, seldom 

 remain long in one place. Those who live in the forests 

 often spend ten years and more in traversing the vast regions 

 among the mountains : during this period they never visit 

 their homes. Each family lives in an isolated slate from 

 the rest; the chief takes care of them, and knows no other 

 society. If, after several years absence, two friends meet by 

 chance, they then mutually communicate their adventures, 

 the various success of their hunting, and the quantity "f 

 peltry they have acquired. After having spent some day' 

 together, and consumed the little provisions they have, thev 

 separate cheerfully, charge each other with compliments for 

 their respective friends, and leave it to chance to bring 

 them together again. Such is the way of life of these 

 iimoeent children of Nature. The Toungouses who in- 

 habit the coast differ from the rest, in having more regu- 

 larly built houses, and in as:^tmbling at certain seasons for 

 fishing and hunting. In wintc they inhabit cabins, liiiilt 

 €lose to each other, 6o as to from small villages. 

 . Vol. 29. No. 114. TVoM. 1607. K "It 



