THE NOETH-EAST PASSAGE. 23 



tremity; but after following the edge of the bank 

 for about six hours, and as it then appeared to run 

 quite up to the land, we turned and stood out towards 

 the north. This sandbank, which at high water, or 

 during darkness, is exceedingly dangerous for the 

 navigation, lies about twenty-five miles from the delta 

 at the mouth of the Lena ; and its southern extremity 

 is probably connected with Olenek Land. It lies 

 north and south, and is probably cast up by the river 

 Olenek and the western arm of the Lena. 



After having gone round the sandbank, we pro- 

 ceeded on our voyage, steering eastwards for the 

 Lena's most northerly mouth. At this point a pilot 

 from Yakutsk was to meet us to take the steamer 

 Lena up the river to that town. 



As the river Lena has numerous mouths in its 

 northern delta, it had been prearranged that the pilot, 

 who, during the whole of the navigable season, must 

 be found at the place, should set a sea-mark at that 

 mouth where the greatest depth was obtainable. Our 

 intention was to accompany the Lena to the mouth 

 of the river, and remain there for a few days for 

 scientific research. But on the night of the 27th 

 August, when we were outside our proposed anchor- 

 age, we found navigable water and a favourable wind. 

 The opportunity was too good to be allowed to slip 

 out of our hands. In the utmost haste we closed our 

 letters and telegrams to our friends at home and sent 

 them on board the Lena. She was now left to her 



