Xiv TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. 



The regions to which Bering's last labors gave Russia the first 

 title are at the present time the object of much newspaper comment. 

 His last expedition, the few survivors of which brought home 

 costly skins that evinced the great wealth of the newly discov- 

 ered lands, opened up to the Russian fur-hunter an El Dorado that 

 still continues to be a most profitable field of pursuit, now vigi- 

 lantly watched by the jealous eyes of rival nations. 



Julius E. Olson. 

 Madison, Wis. 



