William Martin Wood

“ Sometimes a little nobler sport presents itself, when they can bring to bay a bear or a tiger. The latter animal we always associate with our ideas of a tropical country, and it appears the tiger found in Mantchouria is of the same species as that which infests the jungles of Bengal. This fact has been verified by the Russian naturalist, Maximovitch, who has explored these regions with considerable industry. ”

“ The harbour at Olga Bay is two miles long and one-and-a-half broad; it is sheltered from all winds except the south-west, being defended by many rocky peaks; and the granite island of Brydone, before the entrance, forms some additional protection. The river Gilbert, which flows into the bay at its north-east extremity, has fourteen feet of water on the bar, and is navigable for two leagues. On the banks of this river the Russian post is established, consisting of two officers and forty-five soldiers. ”

“ The land in the immediate neighbourhood of Olga Bay gives evidence of latent fertility, and there are extensive forests, which abound with game. But the station is separated from the Amoor and Siberia by wide tracts of sterile deserts. There can be, neither by land nor sea, any ready means of communication with the commercial world, and labour cannot be obtained. It is said that the Russian Government have intended to plant some colonists at this distant post. ”

“ A few, to whom the governor gives food and shelter as payment for certain services, are regarded by the rest as privileged individuals. All of them would work if employment could be provided; and the Russian governor was of opinion, that if wives could be found, an industrious community might be formed. ”

“ That they are quietly on the watch for any opportunity to bear down in that direction, may be readily understood from a little circumstance which happened about two years ago. Our commander, Admiral James Hope, found at the island of Tsou-sima three Russian steamers. This island, it will be noticed, is at the southern extremity of the Sea of Japan, some hundred miles nearer to China than the port of Hakodadi. Besides the steamers in the harbour, the Admiral found a small post of Russians established on the island. ”