[38] In the presence of the Russians, he crosses himself before and after his meals, and when he enters his yourt.
[39] Among a hundred of these skins scarcely two can be found fine enough for furs. There are some entirely white.
[40] The yourt of my host was about eight yards in diameter, and nearly of the same height. The circumference at the base was twenty-four yards, and the top similar to that of a cone.
[41] We caught some excellent trout.
[42] The snow fell in such abundance, that these poor animals were in a manner buried under it. Accustomed however to such weather, they crowd together, and always holding their noses in the air, the heat of their breath, by penetrating their cold covering, creates a free passage for respiration. They have the sense also to shake themselves when the snow becomes too heavy.
[43] Our company consisted of ten, seven of whom were Koriacs, whose filthiness is well known.
[44] Though this circuit was more than seven hundred wersts, the rapidity of these rivers insured me a speedy navigation, by which I should have gained a considerable advantage in point of time, besides the pleasure of enjoying the first appearance of spring.
[45] A vessel from Okotsk was wrecked in this place a few years ago. The whole cargo, consisting of provisions, was lost, and almost all the crew perished.
[46] All the fixed Koriacs between Ingiga and Yamsk are baptised. These two settlements have but one priest, whose habitual residence is at Ingiga. He seldom makes the circuit of his district, which extends as far as the ostrog of Taousk, the first place belonging to the diocese of Okotsk.
[47] The post expences are the same here as in Kamtschatka for common sledges, though the teams of the nartas consist of double the number of dogs.