i66 A SHOOTING TRIP TO KAMCHATKA 



a fire to dry ourselves and our packs. The latter were 

 soaked not only on account of the rain, but also owing 

 to the most awkward habit of the horses, which, when 

 tired, would constantly lie down with their loads in 

 the middle of a stream to enjoy a refreshing bath. 



The General told me that June and part of July 

 are usually the dampest months in Kamchatka, con- 

 tinuous south-easterly winds blowing on mist and 

 rain ; in fact the weather reminded one of an ugly 

 November day in England, and the general aspect of 

 the country was dreary and depressing. As we ad- 

 vanced we could occasionally catch sight of a higher 

 range of hills to the east, probably the first spurs of 

 the Ganal central group. On our way we came across 

 fresh tracks of two bears. At this time of )-ear they 

 come down to fish, and feed entirely on salmon, which 

 they secure by standing motionless in mid-stream, 

 rarely missing their aim with a blow of their paw. 

 This was related to us by an eye-witness. 



Five miles before reaching the small settlement of 

 Malka the path turns sharply to the right through a 

 mossy swamp, where we saw the first willow-grouse. 

 These birds are said to abound in the tundra. At 

 nine p.m. we halted to j)itch camp after a long march 

 of thirty-three miles (fifty versts), within twenty-five 

 miles of Ganal. It was ovvino- to the ener^v of the 



