196 FROM KAMTSCHATKA 



pearance arising from several juries* j and a number 

 of whale-ribs, which the islanders have set up per- 

 pendicularly in the ground, between their dwellhigs. 

 As soon as they perceived us, they pushed three 

 baydares, each containing ten men, from the shore; 

 left off rowing, when they had approached the 

 Rurick within ten yards ; and then, with doleful 

 voices, commenced a mournful song. Upon this, 

 one in the middle arose, holding up a small black 

 dog, and after speaking some words, in an expres- 

 sive manner, drew a knife, with which he gave the 

 dog a mortal wound, and then threw the poor 

 victim into the sea. After the conclusion of this 

 ceremony, during which the deepest silence was 

 observed in the baydares, they approached the 

 ship, but only a few ventured on board. I found 

 no difference between these, and our friends of 

 yesterday. They call themselves, like them, Tschi- 

 bocko ; and the coast of Asia, opposite to them, 

 they call Wemen. An hour afterwards, we letl 

 St. Lawrence islands, and then steered to Beering*s 

 Straits. According to my instructions, I ought to 

 have first sailed to Norton Sound ; but as this time 

 of the year appeared to me too early, I was in 

 hopes, after the examination of Beering's Straits, to 

 be able to be in proper time in Norton Sound. 



July 30th. As soon as we had quitted St. Law- 

 rence islands, the fine weather was at an end, and 



* Subterraneous dwellings. 



