No one could say what was the intrinsic value of the country, either actual or prospective.

The Company never gave much attention to scientific matters.
The Russian government had made some explorations to ascertain the character and extent of the rivers, mountains, plains, and swamps that form the country.

In 1841 Lieutenant Zagoyskin commenced an examination of the country bordering the rivers, and continued it for two years.

He traced the course of the Kuskokvim and the lower portions of the Yukon, or Kvikpak.

His observations were chiefly confined to the rivers and the country immediately bordering them.
He made no discoveries of agricultural or mineral wealth.