[75] This place is called _Oust-mayapristann_ or harbour of the mouth of the Maya. [76] During my five days navigation I had travelled near seven hundred wersts. [77] Independently of various other cattle, he had a stud of two thousand horses in very good condition, though he had lost a considerable number by the conveyances occasioned by M. Billings’ expedition. From the manner in which he spoke of his submission to the will of the empress, I judged that he felt no reluctance at any sacrifices that proved his zeal. [78] I met with many of these chiefs, to whom this language was as familiar as their own. [79] See Vol. I. p. 184. [80] Nothing is more easy than to distinguish the chamans, who let their hair grow, and tie it behind, from the Yakouts, who wear their hair short. [81] The instrument which I here style a flute, is a bone hollowed and fashioned somewhat like our _flûtes à l’oignon_, and its tone is not less acute. [82] The bark is stripped off, and the stakes either painted various colours, or ornamented with rude sculpture. [83] In speaking of the saddles, I ought to have added that the stirrups are very short. [84] Three horses pay here the same as one in Siberia. [85] There would be no end to my repetitions if I were to mention all the civilities I received from each of these Yakout princes. [86] The bark of this tree is stripped off in the spring. [87] I was the first traveller this year from Okotsk that had yet arrived at Yakoutsk. The distance between these places is about fifteen hundred wersts. [88] M. Marklofski was to hold the office till M. Kasloff arrived. [89] The Lena crosses Siberia in nearly its widest part, from north-east to south-west, and pours itself afterwards into the Frozen Ocean. [90] I shall say nothing of the mode of government, as it is similar to that of Okotsk. [91] The post expences are not the greater on account of this distance; a man is paid at the same rate as a horse. [92] They always fastened to my boat a small canoe, in which they return home, and which is carried along by the mere current of the river. [93] It is also called _Olekminsk_. [94] He informed me that the borders of the Lena were inhabited on this side by different hordes of his countrymen. I must observe, that the Toungouses and Lamouts may be regarded as the same people. [95] The fish with which this river principally abounds is the sturgeon, or _sterled_. The industry of the Toungouses, makes caviare of the eggs of this fish, as we do. [96] From a principle the reverse of that of the Koriacs, the Toungouses always milk the female deer. This milk, which they made me taste, is very thick. [97] Their journeys extend as far as the frontiers of Tartary and China. [98] As we approached Irkoutsk, the direction of the river became narrow. I remarked that the country was better cultivated; the wheat especially was very fine.