CRUISE OF STEAMER CORWIN IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN. 29 



there was plenty of drift-wood, and the luxury of a warm fire and rest was thoroughly enjoyed 

 after a hard night's traveling. Plenty of ducks were seen, but only one was killed. At night the 

 journey was again commenced, in the midst of rain and snow, the sleighing being very bad and 

 everything as uncomfortable as possible. Occasionally the sun came out from the dense clouds, and 

 his warm rays were indeed cheering to the cold, wet, and discouraged travelers. In crossing one 

 of the numerous small streams of water formed by the melting snow one of the sleds upset, and 

 they barely escaped losing a large part of their provisions. At 4.30 on the 12th, after another 

 fatiguing all-night march, tents were pitched and a short rest taken. Two of the party went upon 

 a hill back of camp, from which could be seen mountains some distance inland and open water 

 about 10 miles off-shore. In the evening a start was made, but it was impossible, on account of 

 the rough character of the ice pack, to round a small cape, and they were compelled to draw the 

 sleds up a steep hill 300 feet high and over about 2 miles of almost bare ground. Just to the 

 eastward of this cape is the village of Toungilla (Iiutliu), of six huts, where food for the dogs was 

 procured and the journey continued. No one, unless accustomed to traveling in Arctic regions, can 

 imagine the dreary monotony of each day's journey, when the traveler is assailed by blinding snow, 

 storms or drenched with chilling rains, with no variety in the scenery to interest him. During a 

 greater part of the time the landmarks are obscured by mists and snow, and when, as occasionally 

 happeus, the clouds lift and the sun appears, there is little to be seen but the lonely snow-clad 

 hills, swept by the fierce winds from the north, or the ice pack extending out to sea. The next 

 camp was made at 2.30 p. m., June 12, at the old winter quarters of the Yega (Pittle Keg). Some 

 difficulty was here experienced in getting wood enough for fire, it having been used by Nordens- 

 kjold's party, and but little having drifted ashore since. About 2 o'clock the next morning two 

 men with dog teams came from Tapkan, having learned that the party were on the way with heavy- 

 sleds and but few dogs. They had traveled a long distance to lend assistance, not expecting or 

 asking any pay for their services. After transferring a portion of the equipments to the sleds of 

 these natives the journey was continued. The next settlement reached was Rarajtuoup, consisting 

 of only two huts, and two hours later another, also of two huts, called Irgunuuk, was passed. Next 

 came the settlement of Noskon, where there are twenty two houses. In this way the journey was 

 continued without any occurrence of importance until the place was reached where the party were 

 to await the Corwiu. 



At the time of starting it was expected that venison, birds, and fish could be procured on the 

 way. The country was found very destitute of game, however, and the travelers were obliged to 

 subsist almost entirely upon their rations. The coast traveled over by them was low and sandy, 

 excepting at the capes, which are usually several hundred feet high and descend precipitously 

 into the sea. High land and mountains were seen some distance back from the coast. The ground, 

 where not covered by snow, is wet and uneven, and covered with a spongy moss, which makes 

 traveling very difficult. About 15 miles below Cape Onmau there is a salt-water lagoon several 

 miles in extent, which is connected with the sea by a small opening in the low beach. 



Just back of the village of Yinllin there is a lake which, according to the natives, contains 

 fresh water. Near Naskau, several miles west of Tapkan. there is a large indentation in the coast. 

 Tapkan itself is situated on a long and narrow cape or sand spit, the end of which is near Cape 

 Serdze. 



The water to the southward of the cape is very shallow and less than a mile in length. 

 Whenever natives were met inquiries were made as to wrecked vessels. They reported that 

 vessels seldom came that way, the Yega being the only one ever seen, and that no shipwrecked 

 crews had been seen or heard of. These men travel all along the coast, and would be very likely 

 to meet or hear of any stranger who might come. 



While waiting for the Corwin to return, numerous attempts were made to catch seal, but 

 without success. Unless they are instantly killed, they escape through air-holes near which they 

 lie, and if they are shot in the water do not float. The skin boat was used to make several visits 

 to the island which lies off the village. This island is not laid down, and is about 1 mile from 

 shore, and nearly half a mile in length and half of that in width, and is nearly 100 feet high, and 

 precipitous, except upon the south side. The water is deep all around it. The natives encountered 

 during the journey were Tehuktchis. The men shave the top of the head, leaving the hair about 



