PETCHORA ,P3 



No. 3 is a large dry bank, low and level, but at the far 

 end from where we landed it is said by Arendt to be 

 covered with long grass ; but this is denied by Captain 

 Engel. We never know what to make of information so 

 received. Engel and Arendt do not pull well together, 

 and scarcely ever tell us the same about anything con- 

 nected with the coast or islands. 



Most unluckily for us, the old beacon had not been 

 carried away here, and an hour's work with ropes and 

 pulleys was enough to haul it bodily into its former 

 position, it having been simply upset. 



When finished all hands were hailed to come on board, 

 and we in consequence had to be contented with a 

 weary, fruitless tramp over the level, profitless, bare sand, 

 and had no time to search the far end, which must be 

 eight or ten versts distant, and was out of sight of the 

 vessel. 



We found two empty nests of Glaucous Gulls, shot 

 another pair of Sanderlings and a number of Dunlins. 



The latter were in immense flocks, and appeared to 

 arrive at the island over the water from the southward. 



Thousands upon thousands of Ducks were covering the 

 water off the tail and at the back of the bank. We 

 believe they were principally Black Scoter, which, along 

 with the Long-tailed Duck, were the only species we 

 identified. But with refraction busily at work, as Engel 

 remarked, ' It is not easy to tell an ostrov from an ootka ' 

 (an island from a Duck). 



Recalled to the ship, we returned sadly and reluctantly. 

 No. 2 island is also covered with grass certain but 

 we have now, alas ! no chance of visiting it, this year at 

 all events. 



It is more than tantalising to feel that we were possibly 

 so near to the breeding-haunts of the birds we are in 

 most anxious search for, and to be obliged to turn and 



