KAMCHATKA. 



257 



PETROPAVLOSK. 



Besides some Jakut immigrants, the chief stock of the scanty population of 

 the country consists of the descendants of the primitive Kamchatkans, who, in 

 spite of frequent intermarriages with their conquerors the Cossacks, have still 

 retained many of their ancient manners. They are of a small stature, but broad- 

 shouldered, their cheek-bones are prominent, their jaws uncommonly broad and 

 projecting, their noses small, their lips very full, their hair black. The color of 

 the men is dark brown, or sometimes yellow ; the women have fairer complex- 

 ions, which they endeavor to preserve by means of bears' guts, stuck upon their 

 faces in spring with fresh lime, so as not to be burned by the sun. They also 

 paint their cheeks with a sea-weed, which, when rubbed upon them with fat, 

 gives them a beautiful red color. 



The Kamchatkans are a remarkably healthy race. Many of them attain an 

 age of seventy or eighty years, and are able to walk and to work until their 



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