126 OUR ARCTIC PROVINCE. 



be laid directly south. ; so much so, that for once we express our 

 surprise to the skipper, who, feeling sure that he understands our 

 dread of losing time in reaching Oonalashka, spreads out his chart 

 and calls us to the table. A moment's inspection shows the wisdom 

 of the roundabout course, for a forest of rough, rocky islets studs 

 the ocean directly to the west and many to the south. To sail 

 through the intricate passages of the Chernaboors and the reefs of 

 Saanak would be to invite certain destruction. Therefore, as we 

 make a long detour to clear the path of our progress from all dan- 

 ger, we will give the reader some interesting facts relative to the 

 chase of the sea- otter, which is the sole object of those natives who 

 hunt in this district. 



