^8 FROM KAMTSCHATKA 



here and there interrupted by marshes, small lakes, 

 and a river, which flowed, with numerous wind- 

 *ings, and the mouth of which was not far from us. 

 As far as the eye could reach, every thing was 

 green ; here and there were flowers in blossom, 

 and no snow was seen but on the tops of the 

 mountains at a great distance 5 yet one had to dig 

 but half a foot deep to find nothing but frost and 

 ice under this verdant carpet. It was my intention 

 to continue my survey of the coast in the boats ; 

 but a number of baydares, coming to us along the 

 coast from the east, withheld me. Five of them, 

 each with eight to ten men, all armed with lances 

 and bows, soon landed near us. At the head of 

 each boat was a fox-skin, on a high pole, with 

 which they beckoned to us, uttering, at the same 

 time, the loudest cries. I ordered my crew to be 

 prepared for defence ; and went myself, with our 

 gentlemen, to meet the Americans, who, on seeing 

 us approach, sat down, like Turks, in a large circle 

 on the ground, by which they meant to manifest 

 their friendly intentions : two chiefs had seated 

 themselves apart from the rest. We entered this 

 circle well armed, and perceived that they had 

 left most of their arms in their boats, but had long 

 knives concealed in their sleeves. Distrust, cu- 

 riosity, and astonishment, were painted on their 

 countenances j they spoke very much, but, un- 

 fortunately, we did not understand a word. To 

 give them a proof of my friendly sentiments, I dis- 



