The original inhabitants along this part of the Amoor are wandering Tungusians, in no great number and with little wealth.  We saw their huts on both banks, principally the southern one.  At a Russian village where we stopped there was a Managre hut or yourt of light poles covered with birch bark.  The covering was wound around the framework in horizontal strips that overlapped at the edges like shingles on a house-roof.  Entering the hut I found a varied assortment of deer skins, cooking and other utensils, dogs, dirt, and children.  I gave a small coin to one of the latter, and was immediately surrounded by others who wished to be remembered.  The mother of the infants sent one of them to me with a freshly killed goose, which I declined accepting.

The head of the establishment examined my watch attentively, but I think his curiosity was simulated, as he must have seen marry watches among the Russians.  Not to be outdone in curiosity, I admired the trappings attached to his belt.  These were a knife, a pipe, pouches for bullets, tinder, powder, tobacco, and flints, a pointed iron for cleaning a pipe, and two or three articles whose use I could not ascertain.  His dress was a deerskin frock and leggings, and his cap of Chinese felt cloth was in several thicknesses and fitted close to his head.

Outside the hut Borasdine gave the man a cigar, but the gift was not appreciated.  The native preferred tobacco and was better satisfied when I gave him enough to fill his pipe.  The Managres smoke the Manjourian tobacco, which is raised in large quantities along the middle Amoor and the Songaree.  It is much like Connecticut leaf, but has a more pungent flavor, and lacks the delicacy of Havana tobacco.  Men, women, and children are alike addicted to its use.

Our new acquaintance was a hunter, and allowed us, though with hesitation, to look at his rifle.  It had a flint lock of curious construction, the hammer being drawn back to a horizontal position and held in place by a notched piece of bone.  The breech-pin was gone, and a piece of stone fixed in the stock filled its place.  The breech of the stock was but little larger than the other part, and seemed very awkwardly contrived.  A forked stick is carried to form a rest, that ensures the accuracy of aim.  Powder and lead are so expensive that great economy is shown in their use.  I was told these natives were excellent marksmen, and rarely missed a shot.  When within proper distance of their game they place their supporting sticks very quickly and with such caution as to make no noise.

[Illustration:  RIFLE SHOOTING.]

One intoxicated aboriginal stood in the group of Cossacks on the bank and appeared quarrelsome, but found the Russians too good-natured for his purpose.  A light shower scattered the crowd and left the inebriate addressing a horse and a wood-pile.