KURILE ISLANDS, is a chain of islands extending be tween Cape Lopatka, the most southern point of Kamt schatka, and Jesso, which several geographers have consi dered as belonging to them. The total number is un known. Names are given by the Russians to 25. A Ja panese author, who lived about a century ago, says there are 37, and of these he specifies 32. Instead of proper names, however, they are usually distinguishod by numbers, as first, second, third, proceeding from the north. These is lands are of unequal dimensions, but their exact extent is no where laid down. Sumscku, the first, is said to be about 33 miles in length and 20 in breadth : Porumuschir, the next, double that size, and some still larger ; but several are only barren rocks, almost level with the surface of the wa ter. Navigation is exceedingly dangerous, both from pre valent fogs, and the force of currents running among the islands. The channel between Cape Lopatka is specially prohibited to vessels, on account of the hazards attending its passage, and the frequent shipwrecks. Krum-1st= affirms, that the widest channel, which he calls the Straits of Nadeshda, between the islands Raukoke and 'Alataua, is 16 miles across, and free of all danger.
Nothing is known of the mineralogy of this chain, which is supposed to present the summits of so many submarine mountains. Some are volcanic, and violent earthquakes have been witnessed. The islands are, in general, hilly, with steep and precipitous shores; and ranges of naked mountains appear in the interior. Several of them contain small lakes, and rivers stored with fresh water fish.
Wood is in general scarce, or low and stunted; and many of the islands are entirely destitute of it. There seems to be scarcely any cultivation, most probably be cause the climate is unfavourable. Wild roots, such as the inhabitants of the north are accustomed to subsist up on, are common ; and certain islands are visited, chiefly for the purpose of obtaining them, and of catching foxes or bears.
According to information communicated to La Perouse, none were inhabited in 1787, excepting the first, second, thirteenth, and fourteenth ; and the natives of the thirteenth always wintered on the last. The total number of inhabi tants on the whole did not exceed 1400. They were tribu tary to the Russians, who had exempted them from tribute since 1777, owing to the scarcity of sea otters. The Rus sians claim dominion over the northern, and the Japanese over the southern islands.
The natives of the Kurile islands are of low stature, and swarthy complexion: those towards the north are said to resemble the Kamtschadales ; but towards the southern li mits of the chain, they are distinguished by remarkably thick beards ; and all the body is covered by an unusual profusion of hair. Saryteliew remarks, that they are named hairy Kurilians, and that it is difficult to ascertain their ori gin, " as scarcely any people in this quarter, either Chi nese or Japanese, or in fact any other northern nation of the Asiatic shores, except the Gilaks, near the mouth of the Amur, have any beard." The men shave part of the head, but the women only cut part of the hair in front. The lips of the former are stained in the middle ; those of the lat ter are entirely blackened, and their arms are stained or tattcoed as high as the elbows. They dress in the skins of birds and quadrupeds, which are patched together, regard less of uniformity ; and the costume of both sexes is near ly alike. Cloth, serge, or silk, especially if scarlet, is ex tremely acceptable ; and pieces of foreign manufacture are intermixed with what composes their attire. Their lan guage is soft and harmonious. They speak in a mild and agreeable accent, slowly and distinctly.
The Kurilians derive their subsistence chiefly from the capture of wild animals and fish, though :ess than some neighbouring nations from the latter ; and they dig roots from the earth, but are little acquainted with agriculture. Their habitations are excavated in the ground, and the floor and sides are covered with mattings of grass. Owing to the scarcity of wood in the islands, what is drifted ashore from more distant countries is employed ; and the weal thier inhabitants build houses, which are supported on four posts, and furnished with articles fiom Japan. A man marries two or three wives, with each of whom he has had a previous intrigue, and with whom, apparently, he does not reside during the day afterwards. Parturition is said to be uncommonly difficult among the women : and should there be twins, one is destroyed. In case of adultery, the offended husband challenges the paramour to a combat with a club, which is interchanged between them, and three blows alternately dealt out until the one or other falls. If the husband declines to offer this perilous encounter, the price of his honour may be satisfied in clothes, furs, pro visions, or other commodities.