226 



KAMSCHATKA. 



[chap. 



framework of the slightest possible description, covered with the 

 skin of the Sea-Lion (Eumetopias), beautifully sewn. The circular 

 opening for the occupant is very small, and the ingress of water 

 is prevented by a sack-like skin apron which is tightly tied beneath 

 the arms. These craft are astonishingly crank, so much so that one 

 of our party, by no means a tyro in such matters, found the greatest 



otter-hunter's canoe, POWELL ISLAND. 



possible difficulty in sitting one, even in smooth water. They are 

 made in three sizes, — for one, two, or three persons. 



We entered into negotiations for the purchase of one of these 

 boats, as well as our want of a common language permitted. Vodky 

 — the curse of Kamschatka — was the one idea of the natives, and we 

 might doubtless have bought the craft, furnished with bow and 

 arrows and all necessary gear, for three or four bottles of this spirit, 

 had we felt inclined, for these people would sell their very souls 

 for brandy were they only marketable commodities. The bargain 

 was concluded eventually for thirty roubles, but though the dealing 

 in money saved our consciences, it probably came to much the same 

 in the end as if we ourselves had supplied the natives with spirit. 

 Directly the snow was sufficiently hard for sledging, the owner of 



