Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/137

1837.] my intention of adding to them at my departure, he was well pleased, and retired to the shore.

On the first arrival of the Starling, but few canoes had appeared; these nearly doubled daily, until his position called for a vigilance which was unpleasant, and made them comparatively prisoners.

Our presents having allayed every unpleasant feeling, the utmost security was felt, so as to admit of full range to sportsmen and naturalists.

One peculiarity which I noticed in this tribe, is the manner in which they receive presents—as a due, not as a gift; and consequently no return is made for civility. They have probably had a lesson from their friends the fur-dealers, whose maxim is "nothing for nothing." Excepting in traffic, at which they are very keen, nothing could be obtained.

Fish, halibut and salmon of two kinds, were abundant and moderate, of which the crews purchased and cured great quantities. Game very scarce; one goose and a small blue-winged duck were all the birds that were brought for sale. The remains of Russian establishments were observed; a blockhouse perched on a cliff on the east side; and on the low point, where our astronomical observations were taken, the ruins of another; also a staff, with a vane and cross over a grave.

Strawberry plants were very numerous, but the ladies had cleared them of fruit, and were busied during the day procuring supplies of these and other