 Humboldt and the expedition party traveled by coach on well maintained roads, with rapid progress being made because of changes of horses at way stations.The party had grown, with Johann Seifert, who was a huntsman and collector of animal specimens; a Russian mining official; Count Adolphe Polier, one of Humboldt's friends from Paris; a cook; plus a contingent of Cossacks for security.Three carriages were filled with people, supplies, and scientific instruments.