292 LOSS OF THE ST. PETER. 
ing the country, and to send from the east coast on which 
they had disembarked and settled, a certain number, selected 
from the most vigorous of the crew, toward the north and 
south. Having proceeded as far as the rocks which project- 
ed into the sea would permit them, these men returned, some 
on the third, and the others on the fourth day after their de- 
parture. 
They agreed in their reports, that the}^ had not found the 
least trace of inhabitants, but had seen on the coast a great 
number of otters. They had likewise ofeerved, in the interior 
of the country, a great quantity of blue and black foxes, which 
did not run away on their approach. From these accounts it 
was justly concluded that the country was neither frequented 
nor inhabited by men. However, as the interior had not been 
sufficiently examined, and they had not yet penetrated to the 
coast opposite to that on which they had landed, they again 
sent out some of their number to accomplish those purposes. 
These men ascended a very lofty mountain, three or four 
leagues from the shore ; from its summit they discovered the 
sea to the east and west, which left no doubt but that it was 
an island on which they had landed. They found no wood, 
but only a few willow shrubs on the banks of the rivulets. 
After reconnoitering the island, they proceeded to examine 
the provision which had been saved from the ship. Having 
first deducted and stowed away eighteen hundred pounds of 
flour to serve them on their passage from the island to Kamt- 
sehatka, the remainder was divided into equal portions. 
Though these were very scanty, and thirty of their number 
died during their stay on the island, yet they would not have 
been sufficient, but for the seasonable supply which the ma- 
rine animals afforded. 
The first which served them for food were the otters. Their 
flesh was hard, but they were obliged to put up with it till they 
could procure some less disagreeable in its stead. After they 
had ceased to use them for food, the Russians killed a great 
number of these animals for the sake of their beautiful skins, 
nine hundred of which they collected during their residence 
on the island. In the month of March the otters disappear- 
ed, and were succeeded by another animal, called the sea-cat, 
and afterward by seals. Their flesh was exceedingly dis- 
gusting to the Russians, who fortunately, now and then, sur- 
prised a young sea-lion. The latter are excellent eating; 
but they never durst venture to attack them excepting wheia 
asleep. 
