Abstract
THE Expedition which went out to explore the New Siberian Islands, has returned to St. Petersburg with interesting results. The Expedition was organized by the Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, 26,000 roubles being contributed by the Emperor Alexander. Operations commenced in 1885, and considerable preparations had to be made. A winter retreat was chosen in the district of Kasachje (under 71° N. lat.), 30 kilometres south of Ustjansk at the mouth of the Jana. About 270 kilometres distant from Kasachje, were discovered the remains of a mammoth. At the end of March 1886, Dr. Bunge left for the Swatoinoss Mountains, where the real march with 240 dogs was to begin; 19 sledges drawn by 12 dogs, led the expedition over the frozen sea. In the latter half of April, the Jakutes returned with the sledges, and reported that the journey had been success fully accomplished. Dr. Bunge devoted his attention in particular to the Liachow Island, while Baron Toll attempted not only Kotelni Island, but also the Island of New Siberia. In May both explorers were at the Medweshji foothills, to the south of Kotelni Island. Liachow Island has a very uniform but rough appearance; it is, 300 kilometres in circumference, the surface being uneven and hilly. The prevailing winds are east and west. The latter is extraordinarily violent, and works great mischief; it brings first rain, and then frost. Winter retires about the beginning of June, although the summer is never quite free from snow, mist, storms, &c. Enormous masses of perpetual ice inclose the island; only once could Dr. Bunge make a sea passage free from ice. In clear weather, looking northwards from Kotelni Island land is visible, which appears to be only 150 kilometres distant. The possibility of reaching this land is increased by the fact that a warm current flowing in a fixed direction prevents the sea from freezing over. The highest observed temperature in Liachow Island was only 8° (Réaumur). The snow melted in the beginning of June, and about the middle of the same month the first flower was found. Wild reindeer, wolves, Arctic foxes, and mice are found on these islands, as also sea-gulls, snipe, and other birds. With the exception of the mouse, all animals on the island are merely guests; they all winter on the land.
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Geographical Notes . Nature 36, 113–114 (1887). https://doi.org/10.1038/036113b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/036113b0