mss142-vasilevShishmarev-i5-029

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the sea surf reaches only by deflecting from the oppisite
shore. However, it is completely open and extends into the
inside of the shore for more than 15 miles to the NW. At
that depth in this direction are two small islands, behind
which, if someone had to stay hear for a long time, or even
to pass the winter, it is possible to find a quiet berth.
The shore and the land surrounding the bay are high and hilly
for the most part. This country is covered with eternal snow,
not only on the heights, but in the hollows between the moun-
tains. Only on the lowlands along the shore is it possible
to see something resembling vegetation, that is, yellow and
dry grass, over which occasionally rises a yellow flower.
Here is seen not even a tree, or even small bushes; in a word,
here a sad morose nature is presented to the eyes of a sailor.
In a few places along the shore of the bay are seen the conical
yurts of the natives, who, noticing us,immediately got into
their baidars and began rowing toward us. They neared the
side without invitation or fear, and came aboard. There were
12 persons, and among them was the chief of the settlement
lying before us. Receiving and giving presents as well as we
could to these Chukchi who called themselves Chauchi, the
captain asked the chief to deliver about 20 deer, but he as-
sured us that there were none of these animals in the vicinity,
and since they, because of lack of moss nearby,had been driven
to the interior, it was necessary to have at least 12 days to