.--E.

[82] Krusenstern, who, as we have seen, is far from sparing the laity in
the distribution of his censures, makes every bit as free with the
clergy. "The priest of St Peter and St Paul," says he, "was a scandal
to his profession; in the interior, they are said to be no better, and
to be particularly obnoxious to the Kamtschadales." This is a serious
evil, no doubt, but it may reasonably be expected to cease with the
complaints of the parishioners, as it is very unlikely that at
Kamtschatka as elsewhere, there should be found any shepherds without
flocks. To be sure, in some other countries, where this occasionally
happens, there is this important difference, that the pasture at least
is worth looking after!--E.

[83] Thirty-six pounds English.

[84] This description, little as it may excite any high opinion of the
prosperity of the place, is nevertheless nearly a contrast to that
which Krusenstern has given. "The first prospect of St Peter and St
Paul might raise in the mind of a person newly arrived, and ignorant
of the history of this Russian establishment, the idea of its being a
colony founded a few years before, but recently abandoned. Nothing is
visible here that could at all persuade any one of its being inhabited
by civilized people; not only Awatska Bay, but the three adjoining
ones, are entirely forlorn and uninhabited; nor is the beautiful
harbour of St Peter and St Paul enlivened by a single boat. Instead of
this, the shores are strewed with stinking fish, among which a number
of half-starved dogs are seen wallowing, and contending for
possession. Two baidars belonging to the port, and hauled on shore at
a low sandy point of land, would be an additional proof of the infancy
of this colony; if, at the same time, you did not perceive the wreck
of a three-masted ship, bearing evident marks of having been in its
present condition for some years. This is the Slawa Rossi, the ship
which Captain Billing commanded, but which, after the completion of
his voyage, foundered in the harbour from want of care. The appearance
immediately brings to mind the celebrated Behring, who, seventy years
before, commenced his voyage of discovery from this port; But not only
the two baidars, but the sinking of the ship itself, are too clear a
proof that the nautical concerns of this colony are still i