234 TRAVELS OF A NATURALIST 



a name applied generically to small Sandpipers, and 

 plenty of Ducks and Geese. Also Snow Buntings. 



Speaking of wages, he asked 250 roubles for the four 

 months, April, May, June, and July. He gets 300 roubles 

 for his whole summer's work, but cannot take less than 

 250 from us, as he would lose his permanent chance of 

 employment. An engagement he may have with Sidoroff 

 also may clash. 



We also saw a man named Eichter, now clerk with 

 Schmidt, formerly with his own vessel, going often to 

 Petchora, who accompanied Heinke about fifteen years ago, 

 and seemed to be acquainted with several birds by their 

 Latin names. Most of our time to-day was taken up 

 with these and other preparations, and visits to the 

 Museum, the silversmith, etc. 



This evening the temperature was only 11 Eeaum, 

 but felt very cold with wind. At mid-day it was 9 

 Keaum. 



March 22. 



On Monday, the 22nd of March, the morning tem- 

 perature was 9J Reaum. 



We have named Piottuch, ' Cock-sure Piottuch ' ; he is 

 so awfully sure of his own infallibility, but he is an honest 

 good fellow for all that. We found him a 'cute hand at 

 a bargain, and spent some hours this morning over his 

 engagement. Seebohm, who dubbed him, said ' He 

 wishes to be " cock-sure " now.' All went pleasantly, 

 however, and we arrived at the following bargains : 



1. Piottuch wants 500 roubles, or 70, for the whole 

 four months. 



2. We agree, if he will guarantee 



700 skins of his own doing ; to give him 400 roubles. 



900 ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, 450 ,, 



1,100 500 



If he gets more still, we only give the 500 ,, 



