If the bear were more gentle in his manners he might become a household pet among the Gilyaks; but at present he is not in favor, especially where there are small children.
Ermines were formerly domesticated for catching rats, the high price of cats confining their possession to the wealthy.

Cats have a half-religious character and are treated with great respect.

Since the advent of the Russians the supply is very good.

Before they came the Manjour merchants used to bring only male cats that could not trouble themselves about posterity.

The price was sometimes a hundred roubles for a single mouser, and by curtailing the supply the Manjours kept the market good.
The Gilyaks, like nearly all the natives of Northern Asia, are addicted to Shamanism.