" the whole of that gulf which from 77 deg. N.L.
between Cape Chelyuskin and the northern extremity of Novaya Zemlya
extends towards the south to the north coast of Europe and Asia.

Captain Palander gives the following directions for sailing through
the sound between Vaygats Island and the mainland:--

"As Yugor Straits are difficult to discover far out at
sea, good solar observations ought to be taken on
approaching them, where such can be had, and after these
the course is to be shaped in the middle of the strait,
preferably about N.E. by the compass. On coming nearer
land (three to four English miles) one distinguishes the
straits with ease. Afterwards there is nothing else to
observe than on entering to keep right in the middle of
the fairway.

"If one wishes to anchor at the Samoyed village one ought
to keep about an English mile from the land on the
starboard, and steer N.E. by the compass, until the
Samoyed huts are seen, when one bends off from starboard,
keeping the church a little to starboard. For larger
vessels it is not advisable to go in shallower water than
eight to nine fathoms, because the depth then diminishes
rather suddenly to from three to four fathoms.

"From the Samoyed village the course is shaped right to
the south-east headland of Vaygats Island (Suchoi Nos),
which ought to be passed at the distance of half an
English mile. Immediately south-west of this headland lies
a very long shoal, which one ought to take care of.

"From this headland the vessel is to be steered N.-1/2E.
out into the Kara Sea. With this course there are two
shoals on starboard and two on port at the distance of
half an English mile.

"The depth is in general ten fathoms; at no place in the
fairway is it less than nine fathoms.

"Vessels of the greatest draught may thus sail through
Yugor Schar. In passing the straits it is recommended to
keep a good outlook from the top, whence in clear weather
the shoals may easily be seen."

In the oldest narratives very high mountains, covered with ice and
snow, are spoken of as occurring in the neighbourhood of the sound
between Vaygats Island and the mainland. It is even said that here
were to be found the highest mountains on earth, whose tops were
said to raise themselves to a height of a hundred German miles.[87]
The honour of having the high