is reason to presume that its exertions have not been fruitless. [56] Such was the project of a merchant of my acquaintance, who expected to derive from it the most considerable advantages. With the map of Cooke’s voyage in his hand, his intention was to enter the river that bears the name of this celebrated navigator, and to extend his course as far as the environs of the bay of Nootka. If he found himself able to execute his plan, it is possible that he would not be wholly deceived in his hopes, and his countrymen may, perhaps, be hereafter indebted to his information and courage for the knowledge of new sources of wealth. [57] See Vol. I. p. 140. [58] All of whom, as well as the different naval officers, are brought hither from Russia. To complete however their complement of sailors, M. Hall was obliged to raise recruits in the country; and the orders he brought were so precise, that the governor supplied him both with men and materials at his first requisition. [59] We have seen in the description of Okotsk, that these buildings constituted the part of the town appropriated to trade. Alarmed at this incident, they immediately unfurnished their shops, determined to remove into the government square, of consequence they undertook to rebuild the barracks, and considerably augmented the number of them. [60] The mode of preparing salmon is the same as at Kamtschatka. [61] I have already given an account of this sport, which takes place in the moulting season, and observed that a stick is the only weapon used on the occasion. [62] They consisted of leathern bags and portmanteaux; with this advantage, that they never gall the sides of the horses. The usual weight is five _pouds_, or two hundred pounds, and it never exceeds six _pouds_; that is, two hundred and forty. These loads they call _viouki_, and the horses that carry them _viouschni-loschadei_. If the baggage to be carried be lighter or less cumbrous, they place it upon the back of the animal, and fasten it with a cord of hair that passes under his belly.