Note 1 — Chapter XLIX · THE ISLAND OF SAKHALIN.

This is to some extent indicated by its name, “Sahalin ula hota,” that is, “Rocks at the mouth of the Black River,” in keeping with which idea, on Cook’s map of 1784. Sakhalin is but a small islet near the Gulf of the Amur. Other maps, published later, represent Sakhalin as a peninsula. It was left to the Russian Admiral Nevilskoy, 30 years ago, to lay down with accuracy the shores of the island and the Strait of Mamia Rinso, by which it is separated from the continent. Sakhalin is about 600 miles long, with an estimated area of 32,000 square miles, and traversed length-wise by a mountain chain with craggy summits. The coast is for the most part rocky and steep, but opposite the mouth of the Amur it consists of sandy downs. Similar downs are found, too, on the eastern side of the island. None of the mountains reach the line of perpetual snow, but several lift their bare grey summits above the limit of vegetation. The island has two large indentations—one on the eastern coast, called the Bay of Patience, and another at the south, called Aniva Bay; also two rivers, each about the length of the Thames, and some smaller streams flowing through arable valleys. It has likewise three lakes, the largest of which is 50 miles long.