The Kurilians are principally Pagans. They worship idols ; to which they sometimes sacrifice the skin of the first animal they kill, while they themselves eat its flesh. On changing their huts, the skin and the idol are both left there. But when undertaking dangerous voyages, the idol is carried with them, and, in the event of imminent hazard, is thrown into the sea. They are also accustomed to throw chips among the waves as an offering, when they attempt a passage of the channel which separates the first island from Capd Lopatka.
These people enjoy a favourable character : They are hospitable, honest, and inoffensive, and entertain a high respect for old age. Strangers front other islands are re ceived with great demonstrations of ceremony and affabi lity combined. Their arrival is awaited on the shore, and they are conducted to the huts, where they are entertained after the best manner of the host, who stands listening to the adventures of his guests. The narrative sometimes continues two hours ; and, when completed, the eldest among the islanders—as this task, or rather privilege, al ways belongs to seniority—begins a corresponding rela tion of what has occurred to himself and his friends. Pre vious to the fulfilment of the ceremonial, nu conversation takes place among the others. Notwithstanding the mild ness of their disposition, suicide is not rare.
Trade, or manufactures, can hardly he said to be prac tised here. Nettles are made into stuffs. which are sold to the Japanese, who, together with the Russians, are the only nations visiting the Kuriles. According to the eastern
author, above referred to, a traffic was carried on from Jesso, with one of them which he calls Kitat-Soeb, and en tirely by barter, as the inhabitants came down from the mountains to the coast, to exchange skins, stuffs, and cloths, for rice, salt, tobacco, and other commodities. Of later years, however, the Japanese seem to have made perma nent establishments on some of the islands. The Russian embassy to Japan having experienced a contumelious re ception at that island, resented it, by an attack on the Ku riles. After returning to Kanitschatka, two armed vessels were dispatched from thence in 1807, which soon reached the settlements. The Japanese made a chew of resistance with their bows and arrows, but speedily fled, leaving their habitations and magazines at the mercy of the invaders. Here were found cannon, and arms of different kinds ; also beautiful lacquered utensils, books, and maps, together with a large provision of rice, salt, and tobacco. The Russians returned with considerable booty, among which were many interesting objects, that they had fruitlessly endeavoured to gain a knowledge of during their resi dence in Japan. Although the Russian merchants have re sorted to the Kurile islands for a considerable time, little advantage, either commercial or scientific, has resulted from their visits. (c)