BEHRING'S SHIPWRECK. 



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Behring discovered many of the Aleutian and other islands nearer the American coast. 

 The scurvy making its appearance, this brave commander endeavoured to return to Kam- 

 chatka. The sickness increased, and they became so exhausted that "two sailors who 

 used to be at the rudder were obliged to be led in by two others who could hardly 

 walk. And when one could sit and steer no longer, another, in little better condi- 

 tion, supplied his place. Many sails they durst not hoist, because there was nobody to 



SIK JOHN KOSS. 



lower them in case of need." At last land appeared, and they endeavoured to sail towards 

 it; getting near it, the anchor was dropped. A violent gale arose, and the vessel was 

 driven on the rocks, which she touched; they cast a second anchor, but its cable was 

 snapped before it took ground. Their little barque was thrown bodily over the rocks by a 

 sea which threatened to overwhelm them, but, fortunately, inside the reef the water was 

 calmer, and the crew, having rested, managed to launch their boat, and some of them 

 reached the shore. There was scarcely any drift-wood on the beach, and no trees on the 

 island; hence they determined to roof over some small ravines or gullies near the beach. 

 On the " 8th of November a beginning was made to land the sick, but some died as 

 soon as they were brought from bet ween- decks in the open air, others during the time 

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