MEANS FOR CHANGING THE WEATHER. 
07 
narrow. On the other side of the Bay of'Kullila'k to the north¬ 
east, the shore was concealed bv the steep and projecting pro¬ 
montory of Amtschik. The Aleutians were of opinion, that 
it might be easy to run into the Bay of Kullilak from the open 
sea; but it may not be amiss to remark, that when you sail 
from the side east-south-east towards the island, it appears to 
be divided into two islands. 
Hazy weather and stormy winds detained me six days at the 
village of Koschiga, and obliged me to consume my small stock 
of provisions, after which 1 was compelled to make shift with 
dried fish, marine herbs, and vegetables, except once, when my 
host brought me some fresh fish, which they call Terpuge; but 
having neither bread nor salt I ate it with little relish. 
The Aleutians becoming at length quite tired of bad weather, 
they one day collected themselves together men, women, and 
children, and repaired to an open field, where having ligthed a fire 
and turned themselves to the wind, they clapped their hands 
and screamed with all their might, quietly returning in the full 
expectation of a favourable change. 
Towards evening, 1 suddenly heard the drum beating in a 
corner of the Jurt, and was informed by my interpreter, that 
the Tojas and Shamans were conjuring a spirit for favourable 
weather. At the expiration of a quarter of an hour the Shaman 
began to cry aloud, but soon ceased, and fell senseless to the 
ground. The terror became universal, a crowd surrounded 
him ; sung a solemn lamentation, and conjured the spirit to 
spare the good Shaman ; notw ithstanding which he continued 
some time motionless, but at last revived, and informed the 
bystanders “ that he had summoned the spirit into his presence, 
and commanded him to send fine weather; but the spirit thought 
it by no means necessary, and he accordingly reproved him for 
his obstinacy and caprice, threatening, if he persisted in his re*' 
fusal, to inform the people that he had not sufficient power, 
which w ould certainly not be much to his honour. Upon this 
the spirit became so furious, that lie fell on him, and con¬ 
tinued to torment him until he became senseless, during which 
period it was manifested to him, that the weather would be no 
better until three days after the death of a certain woman, 
(whose name he mentioned), which would take place in the 
course of the summer. Then (added he) w r e might sail as far 
as Makuschinsk, but no farther, as we should there be again 
overtaken bv bad weather. He enjoined us therefore, by no 
means to attempt proceeding farther, even if advised to do so 
by the inhabitants themselves. He then informed me that on 
my return to my vessel, I should not find my companions and 
