XI.] 
TRAFFIC IN SPIRITS. 
13 
open during the month “ Tautinyadlin/’ that is, the latter part 
of May and the beginning of June, and is again covered with 
ice during the month “ Kutscshkau,” or October and November. 
“11. Kepljeplja, from the village Irgunnuk, lying five English 
miles east of the Vega’s winter quarters at Pitlekaj, said that 
the sea off these villages is open all summer, except when 
northerly winds prevail. On the other hand, he said that 
farther westward, as at Irkaipij, ice could nearly always be seen 
from the land. 
“12. Kapatljin, from Kingetschkun, a village between Irgun¬ 
nuk and Behring’s Straits, stated on the 11th January that 
there was then open water at that village. He said further, 
that Behring’s Straits in winter are filled with ice when the 
wind is southerly, but open when the wind is northerly. The 
same day a Chukch from Nettej-Kengitschkau, also between 
Irgunnuk and Behring’s Straits, stated that ice then lay off 
that village. He confirmed Kapatljin’s statement regarding 
Behring's Straits. 
“13. Kvano, from Uedlje, near Behring’s Straits, said that 
there the sea is always open from May to the end of 
September.” 
On the 13th March we came to know that spirits, too, form 
an article of commerce here. For, without having obtained any 
liquor from the Vega, the Chukches at Yinretlen had the means 
of indulging in a general fuddle, and that even their friendly 
disposition gives way under the effects of the intoxication we 
had a manifest proof, when the day after they came on board 
with blue and yellow eyes, not a little seedy and ashamed. In 
autumn a tall and stout Chukch giantess, who then paid us 
a visit, informed us that her husband had been murdered in a 
drunken quarrel. 
Sledges of considerable size, drawn by reindeer, began after 
the middle of March to pass the Vega in pretty large numbers. 
They were laden with reindeer skins and goods bought at the 
Russian market-places, and intended for barter at Behring’s 
Straits. 
The reindeer Chukches are better clothed, and appear to be 
in better circumstances and more independent than the coast 
