462 TRAVELS OF A NATURALIST 



the tundra, where they finish their moult, and he describes 

 it as a most interesting and curious sight. 



When he first saw them they were descending the steep 

 slope of the bank, and the vanguard of old birds, about 

 six abreast, had already marched half across the river (we 

 shall still call it a river, as we are unwilling to believe 

 what we hear after finding so much information 

 erroneous) . 



They saw Seebohm, unfortunately, before he could 

 conceal himself, and when he ran round a few minutes 

 afterwards to intercept them at the crossing place, he 

 found that they had turned back and were marching 

 towards the south along the river-bank, i.e., up the river 

 from its connection with the sea, like a regiment of 

 soldiers. 



This river or arm of the sea, extending as it does for 

 miles, must afford excellent protection, and the grassy 

 slopes showed signs that they had been feeding there 

 before. 



Piottuch assures us that the geese do not, however, 

 rest long at one place, but keep moving whilst this 

 month is going on. That they had before used this 

 ground as a feeding place there can be no doubt, but 

 that they will now change their quarters, having been 

 disturbed, is more than probable. 



This becomes now a question of some importance to 

 us, and may become one of great importance ere very 

 long. 



The storm of wind still continues blowing from the 

 North, and the steamer has already passed over one of 

 the three days without appearing. If the gale continues 

 she cannot come to-morrow or possibly for three or four 

 days, and the lading of the vessels will, of course, also 

 be delayed an indefinite time, as the rafts cannot be 

 brought down against such a wind. 



