It is natural to suppose, that the severity of the climate must be in due proportion to the general sterility of the soil, of which it is probably the cause.  The first time we saw this country was in the beginning of May, 1779, when the whole face of it was covered with snow, from six to eight feet deep.  On the 6th we had snow, with the wind from the N.E.  On the 8th of May, at noon, the thermometer stood at 32 deg.; and the same day some of our men were sent on shore to try to cut wood, but the snow was still so deep on the ground, as to render all their attempts fruitless.  Nor was it found practicable to proceed in this necessary business, with all the efforts of a very stout party, till the 12th, at which time the thaw began to advance gradually.  The sides of the hills were now in some places free from snow; and, by the beginning of June, it was generally melted from the low lands.  On the 15th of June, the day we sailed out of the harbour, the thermometer had never risen higher than 58 deg., nor the barometer than 30 deg. 04’.  The winds blew almost invariably from the eastward during our stay, and the S.E. was more prevalent than any other.

On our return, the 24th of August, the foliage of the trees, and all other sorts of vegetation, seemed to be in the utmost state of perfection.  For the remainder of this month, and through September, the weather was very changeable, but in no respect severe.  The winds at the beginning of the month were for the most part easterly, after which they got round to the W. The greatest height of the thermometer was 65 deg., the lowest 40 deg..  The barometer’s greatest height 30 deg., its lowest 29,3.  So that upon the whole, during this month, an equal and moderate degree of temperature prevailed.  But at the beginning of October, the tops of the hills were again covered with new-fallen snow, the wind continuing westerly.

In computing the seasons, the spring ought certainly not to be taken into the account.  From the middle of June to the middle of September, may be properly said to constitute the summer.  October may be considered as an autumnal month; from thence, to the middle of June, it is perfect winter.  It was toward the end of May that we made our journey between Bolcheretsk and Awatska, over the snow in sledges.

It is said, that the climate in the country adjoining to the river Kamtschatka, is not less serene and temperate, than in many parts of Siberia that are under the same latitude.  This variation is probably owing to the same causes, to which the superior fertility of the soil in those parts has been before attributed.  But it is not in the sterility of the ground alone, that the Kamtschadales feel the unfavourable temperature of their climate.  The uncertainty of the summer season sometimes prevents their laying up a sufficient stock of dried fish for their winter’s provision, and the moisture of the air causes worms to breed in them, which not unfrequently destroy the greatest part.