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PLATE LVI.
A WOMAN OF TSCHUTSKI,
IN HER COMMON DRESS.
T H I S nation, which inhabits the nortli-eastern promontory of Siberia,
called Tschutski-noss, towards the Frozen and Eastern Oceans, is one
of the most sa^•age, inhospitable, uncivilized, and cruel of any in Siberia;
and are entirely ignorant of letters and writing. The origin of this
and the two following nations is enveloped in deep obscurity^ and the
little, which is known of them in their present state, has been collected
from the imperfect accounts given by mariners and merchants. They
still continue independent, although they have been more than once
conquered by the Russians. AVe are not well acquainted with their
population; but they are said to possess about 3500 bows, that is, men
capable of bearing arms. In their general manners, these people seem
very much to resemble the Koriaks, as w-ell as in their persons; and it
is supposed, that they have a common origin. Tlieir climate is cold,
\N-retched, and stormy; and their soil rocky and barren. Their summer
is short, and during part of it the sun never sets, but yet never shines
with meridian and southeni lustre; while their winters are long,
intensely cold, and stormy; and for the most part enveloped in continual
darkness.
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