48 TWO DIANAS IN ALASKA 



bay, through each of which a river ran, and between 

 the valleys rose lofty mountains of which the tops 

 and higher slopes were thickly clothed in snow. The 

 open channel leading outwards to the sea, through 

 which we had entered this snug bay, was screened 

 from view by mountain spurs, and high rocky bluffs, 

 which gave this fine natural harbour the appearance 

 of an inland loch. 



Shortly after my arrival on deck the ladies appeared 

 with Ralph, and universal delight was expressed by 

 every one at the magnificent scenery with which we 

 were surrounded on every side. Although we lay 

 anchored fully a mile from the nearest point of land, 

 the hills in this rarefied northern atmosphere looked 

 almost near enough to be within a stone's throw of 

 the schooner. 



Since we were all eager to make our first land- 

 ing, and inspect the happy hunting grounds, a hasty 

 breakfast was the next move. Immediately after- 

 wards the largest dory was launched and manned by 

 two of the crew, rifles and telescopes were quickly 

 produced, and all four of our party proceeded to 

 pack ourselves rapidly into the boat. The natives 

 preferred to launch their bidarkas, and led the way, 

 paddling far quicker than our men could row the 

 heavy dory. These bidarkas are wonderful little 

 craft, and the natives kneel in them in a crouching 

 position, sitting on their heels, but to any person 

 unaccustomed to it, this is a most uncomfortable 

 position and generally produces violent cramp if it 

 is adopted for any length of time. My advice, there- 



