[76] There is such a continual smoke in these subterraneous habitations, that the opening in the roof is not sufficient to let it out, and there is therefore in an unoccupied corner of the yourt, behind the fire-place, a kind of vent-hole in an oblique direction. It is called joupann; it terminates without, at a little distance from the square opening, and is commonly closed up with a mat or straw covering.
[77] Some of the yourts which I saw were floored with planks; but this is regarded as a luxury, and the generality have no other floor than the ground.
[78] This nook is in a manner distinct from the room, and is less filthy, because it is less frequented. It is a place of honour set apart for strangers.
[79] They make use of the herb called tonnchitcha for the same purpose.
[80] There are some of these wandering Koriacs, I am told, in the island of Karagui, which is twenty-six wersts from the village of that name. I had before imagined that I could perceive this island at a distance.
[81] These knives are about two feet long; they are worn in their girdle, and hang upon the thigh.
[82] To guard ourselves against these famished dogs we never dared to go out without our sticks, or some kind of arms to drive them off.
[83] It is called by the people of this country Poustaïareka, or desert river. This gulf was entirely frozen over.
[84] The tubes of these pipes are made of wood, with a slit from one end to the other. Thus they open in the middle, and the smoakers, from œconomy, scrape the inside after using, and make a second regale of the filings.
[85] In describing the dress of the Kamtschadales, we observed that they wore under their parque a small chemise made of nankin, or cotton stuff.