The Swiss Family Robinson; or Adventures in a Desert Island

to which there are many objections. First, it seems wise to remain on the spot where Providence has cast us, where we can have at on

sandy desert, of her distaste for such food as oysters and wild geese; and, lastly, of her agony of mind, when we ventured

orehouse for our goods, and a retreat in case of invasion. I hope, by blowing off some pieces of the rock with powder, to be able to fortify the part next the river,

when shall we get from here? Why cannot we ford i

nd begged her to manufacture some bags and baskets, and leave the bridge to me and my boys. If we succeeded, it would a

re greatly delighted, though somewhat alarmed, at the formidable project of the bridge; besides, the del

lk with biscuit for our breakfast; part of which she put in a flask, for us to take on our expedition. We then prepared our boat for a voyage to the vessel, to

mbers, even with our sticks. This fish was the shark which Fritz had so skilfully shot through the head the night before. He found the marks of his three balls. Ernest drew his ramrod from his gun, and struck so vigorously right and left among the birds, that he killed some, and put the rest to flight. We then hastily cut off some pieces of the skin of the monster, which I thought might be useful, and placed them in our boat. But this was not the only advantage we gained by

o me, "What a beautiful arrangement of Providence it is, that the mouth of the shark should be placed in such a position that he is compelled

; each carried a handkerchief filled with some new acquisition, and Francis had over his shoulder a small fishing-net. Jack reached u

. Jack related, that Francis and he took a

"then you must superintend the wor

ack! Jack! Fritz's jackal is covered with crabs! Come!--come!' I ran to tell mamma, who brought a net that c

e river, reserving only as many as we could eat. I wa

arness the Laplanders used for their reindeer. I tied cords to the horns of the cow--as the strength of this animal is in the head--and then fastened the other ends round the piece of timber we wanted moving. I place

he river, and to measure it after drawing it back. This expedient succeeded admirably. We found the breadth to be eighteen feet; but, as I proposed to give the bridge strength by having three feet, at least, res

the ass, sewed with packthread; but having no large needles, she had been obliged to pierce holes with a nail, a tedious and painful process. Well sa

of my rope over the stream, where we had previously fixed the block, used in our boat, to a tree, by the hook which usually suspended it. I passed my rope, and returned with the end to our own side. I then harnessed my cow and ass to the end of my rope, and dro

e might have a broad and good bridge. We then laid down planks close together across the beams; but not fixed, as in time of danger it might be necessa

bour, we returned home, supped, and of