The Swiss Family Robinson

e catch seals-Fishing on a grand scale-Isinglass and caviare-We visit our plantations-An expedition to establish a colony-The building of "Woodlands"-Jack and Fritz return to Falconhurst for provision

ack ride off for caoutchouc-Shoot a crane and badger-Find

o prisoners set at liberty could have felt more joy than we did as we stepped forth from our winter abode, refreshed our eyes with th

The seed we had sown was shooting through

habitable. My wife begged that I would now start her with the flax, and as early as possible I built a drying-oven, and then prepared it for her use; I also, af

stroyed. We immediately spread such things as we hoped yet to preserve in the sun to dry. The pinnace was safe, but our faithful tub-boat was dashed in pieces, and the irreparable damage we had sustained made me resolve to contrive some safer and more stable winter-quarters before the arrival of the next rainy season. Fritz proposed that

ut in chalk the size of the proposed entrance, and then, with minds bent on success, we battered away. Six days of hard and incessant toil made but little impression; I do not think that the hole would have

ere falling heavily, Jack, who was working d

, my bar has gone th

tz; "perhaps it has dropped into Eur

hrough the rock; I heard it crash down insid

pposition, I could turn it in any direction I chose. Fritz handed me a long pole; I tried the depth wit

ge enough for us to enter. I stepped near the aperture, and was about to make a further examination, when a s

fatal to those who breathe it. The safest way of restoring it to its original state is to subject it to the action of fire, a few handfuls of blazing hay thrown into this hole may, if the place is small, suffici

fiery serpents, which went whizzing in, and disappeared at apparently a vast distance from us. Some flew like radiant meteors round, lighted up the mighty circumfer

eriments, and I then again threw in lighted

ging on his buffalo, thundered away to Falconhurst

imbers of the bridge were soon again resounding under the swift but heavy tramp

pectedly into any great hole or chasm. Silently we marched-the mother, the boys, and even the dogs seeming overawed with the grandeur and beauty of the scene. We were in a grotto of diamonds-a vast cave of glittering crystal: the candles reflected on the wall

and, so dry that I saw at once that we might safely take up ou

rilliant crystals round abou

h, detached from the roof, had fallen to the ground; this, if apt to recur, would keep us in constant peril. I examined some of the masses and discovered that they had been all recently separated, and therefore concluded that the concussion of the a

of wonder at our new discovery, and plans f

e had brought from the officers' cabins. We brought the door, too, from Falconhurst, and fitted it in the aperture we had made. The opening in the trunk of the tree I determined to conceal with bark, as less likely to attract the notice of wild beasts or savages should they approach during our absence. The cave itself we divided into four parts: in front, a large compartment into which the door opened, subdivided into our sitting, eating, and sleeping apartments; the right-hand division containing our kitchen and workshop,

ese creatures appeared at a time, we used to cut off their retreat to the sea, and, turning them on their backs, fasten them to a stake driven in close by the water's edge, by a cord passed through a hole in their shell. We thus had fresh turtle continually within our rea

eemed illuminated by flashes of fire. Over the water where this disturbance was taking place hovered hundreds of birds, screaming loudly, which ever and anon would dart downward, some plunging beneath the water, some skimming the surface. Then a

proached that it was a s

I was assailed by a host of questions concerning th

of the herrings, while above hover birds, as you have just seen, ready to pounce down on stragglers near the top. To escape these enemies, the shoal makes for the nearest shore, and seeks safety in those shallows where the large fish cannot follow. But here it meets with a third

water with a bucket, throwing them to us on the shore. As quickly as possible we cleaned them, and placed them in casks

hem carefully, and rolled them away to

efuse of the herrings which we had thrown into the sea. Though I feared they would not be suitable for our table, we yet secured a score or two for the sake of their skins an

our work at Rock House; but as soon as possible

a species of gypsum, which I knew might be made of gre

me of the herring casks, that I might be perfectly certain that all air was excluded. The remainder of the casks I left as they were, for I presently intended to preserve their contents by smoking. To do this, the boys and I built a small hut of

called to us that a lot of young whales were off the coast. We ran down and discovered the bay apparently swarming with great sturge

ighted at hi

of your paltry fry. How do you preserve thes

ll me how they are to be caught, and I

enough," he replied, and

ould set to work, he returned with his fishing appa

d had secured the arrow to the end of the string. Ar

d, to my surprise, struck one o

fish darted off, carrying arrow and all with

d the water around him; but we held the cord fast, and he had no chance of escape. Weaker and weaker grew hi

e completed his capture, were quite envious of Jack's success. No

speaking, perhaps, a pitchfork. Soon the shore was strewn with a goodly number of the finest fish-monster after monster we drew to land. At length Fritz, a

for Storm. Storm was harnessed to the harpoon rope,

ike the tunny of the Mediterranean-we prepared them in oil. Of the roe of the sturgeon I decided to form caviare, the great Russian dish. I removed from it all the membranes by which it is s

cutting the remainder into strips, technically called staples. These staples I placed in an iron pot over the fire, and when they had been reduced to a proper consistency I strained off the glue through a clean cloth, and sp

d for the time or season of the year. Peas, beans, wheat, barley, rye, and Indian corn seemed constantly ripe, while cucumbers, melons, and all sorts of other vegetables g

tatoes had been dug, we found it covered wi

the mother i

fine crop spru

d the seed I brought from the wreck. The ground was ready tille

d grouse, and, quick as thought, unhooding his eagle, he started him off in chase, then sprung on his onager and followed at full gallop. His noble bird marked out the finest grouse, and, soaring high above it, stooped and bore his prey to the ground. Fritz was close at hand, and springing through the bushes

t delicious drink the mother prepared for us: the stems of the young Indian c

h had become too numerous with our limited means to supply them with food. In the large cart, to which we harnessed the buffalo, cow, and ass, we placed a dozen fowls, four young pigs, two couple of

n a large plain covered with curious little bushes; the branches of these

ome down from the cart and play snowballs. Th

of dwarf cotton tree. We approached nearer and found he was right-soft fine wool inclosed in pods, and still hanging on the bushes or lying on the ground, abounded in

luxuriant grass at our feet stretching down the hillside, dotted here and there with shady trees, a

o find for our new farm? Pasture, wat

We soon found a group of trees so situated that the trunks would serve as posts for our intended building. Thither we carried all our tools, and t

he trunks about ten feet from the ground, and again ten feet higher up to form a second story. In these mortices I inserted beams, thus forming a framework for my building, and the

of the bark, some of which, to my great surprise, I found was that of the terebinth tree, and the rest that of the American fir. The goats, too

ur yacht, with tar and oil, you know, and cart-grease, too, with tar and fat. I do not know that you will equally appreciate the terebinth tree. A gum issues from incisions in the bark whic

t. Within we divided the house into three parts; one subdivided into stalls for the animals; a second fitted with perches for the birds, and a third, simply furnished with a rough table and benches, to serve as a sleeping apartment for ourselves, when we sho

ht with us would be exhausted before we could hope to be able to leav

ursion in the neighborhood, that we might know more

ants, and from these rose a number of ruffed grouse, at which both Ernest and I let fly. Two fell, and Fangs, who was with us, brought them to our feet. As we advanced, Knips skipped from the back of his steed Juno and began to regale himself on some fruit,

ice seeds to show the mother,

sight of numbers of black swans, disporting themselves on the glassy surface, in which their stately forms and graceful movements were reflected as in a mirror. It was deli

siderate; for all at once I heard a plunge, and saw her drag out of the water a most peculiar-looking creature, something like a sma

nder the body; its feet were furnished with large claws, and also completely webbed, the head

to know what sort of animal it could possibly be. For want of a better, we gave it the name of the "Beast

, and sure enough, in about a quarter of an hour Fritz and Jack made their ap

ir orders intelligently, carrying out my intenti

lands), after providing amply for the wants of the an

assailed us, with showers of fir-cones, uttering hideous and angry cries, and effectually checking our pr

les, and, showing them to me, I rec

kernel has a pleasant taste, like almonds, and from it we can, by pressing,

yes. The situation altogether was so agreeable, that here also I resolved to make a settlement, to be visited occasionally, and, after resting awhile and talking the matter over, we set to work to build a cottage such a

ting one whose trunk was, to a great height, free from branches, we attached to one of the lower of the boughs the rope ladder we had with us, and Fritz, ascending it, cut the bark through in a circle; I did the same at the foot of the tree, and then, from between the circle we took a narrow perpendicular slip of bark entirely out, so that we could introduce the proper tools by which gradually to loosen and raise the main part, so as finally to separate it

of the roll, and, placing the sloping parts one over the other, I d

in the middle, so that it was necessary to put ropes round it, and tighten the

ient situation, and forthwith dispatched Fritz and Jack with orders to bring the sledge (which now ran on wheel

wood naturally curved, just suited for ribs to

, it was time to rest for the night; but w

t rushed from its source down into the larger stream beyond; here we determined to make a halt, in order to erect a great earth wall across the narrow gorge, which, being thickly planted with prickly pear, Indian fig, and every thorny bush we could find, would in time form an effectual barrier against the intrusion of wild beasts, the cliffs being, to the be

r way, we were glad to rest at Falconhurst before

paddles were fitted, but my final touch, although I prized it highly and considered it a grand and original idea, would no doubt have excited only ridicule and contempt had it been seen by a naval man. My contrivance was this: I had a couple of large air-tight bag

calf, and that there might never be any difficulty in managing him, I at a very early age pierced his nose and placed a short stick in it,

ld animals, and defend us, like the fighting bull

ng one!" exclaimed his mother; "but do you mean to say ta

as regards the race of Hottentots who inhabit the south

their flocks and herds, and, for their protec

ve the herd together in a mass, the calves and young cows being placed in the center; around them the bulls and strong oxe

ng to meet the enemy; and should it be a mighty lion or other strong

not unusual to place a troop of these stout-hearted warriors in the van of the

description of these fine, warlike animals, I think we had better trai

h on his hands. Fritz was content with the onager. Their mother was voted mistress of the old gray donkey. And I myself being superinte

l you undertake to look a

ger and bigger, but still he carried it often, till at last he grew so strong that when it was quite a great big ox, he could lift it as easily as ever. And so, you see, if

ity, and his funny application

ll see about letting you mount him some day; but remember, he will be a

, father? Hear what a low

will do f

it beats your buffalo

ames. Fancy mother saying, 'Here comes Franz on Grumble

o and Fawn, and so ended this

, so as to put the rooms and stalls for the animals in comfortable order for the next long rainy season, during which

producing a smooth, hard surface, which did very well for most of the apartments; but I was am

ghly. On it we then laid wool and hair from the sheep and goats, which had been carefully cleaned and prepared, and rolled and beat it until it adhe

me we had now passed on this coast, and discovered, to my surprise, that the very next day would be the anniversary of our escape from the wreck. My heart swelled with gratitude to the graci

cleared, and set in order both outside and inside our dwelling; none, however, suspecting that there was any particular object in

d important day? We shall have to keep it in honor of our m

ght be mistaken, until I showed her how I had calculated regularly ever since the 31st of January, on which day we

ed on the 2d, therefore to-morrow is the anniversary of the day of our escape. As my booksel

ck, like Robinson Crusoe, and cut a notch in it every day, and count them

ertain the number of days in each month,

5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 s

ould get in a mess with those spare hours, minut

them all together, make a day, stick it in

in this our kingdom, and let you superintend and regulate everyth

usions" to next day's festival and rejoicings; but I offered no explanations, and went to sleep, little gue

next morning. I sprang up and found my wife as much alarmed as I was

ried I, turning to his hammock. Lo, it was

y dressing, when their voices were

se you with a right go

r the thoughtless way in which they had sought to do honor to the Day of Thanksgiving, withou

ood intention which had prompted the deed, and, satisfied that the day

e should live in the remembrance of my children with a deepening sense of gratitude for our deliverance. Therefore I read aloud passages from my journal, as well as many beautiful verses from the Psalms, expressive of

announced for the afternoon a "Grand Display of Athletic Spor

what a gr

ly! Are we t

ill there be p

cise," replied I. "Shooting, running, riding, leaping, climbing, swi

nd for the openi

waving my arms toward a shady spot, where the ducks and g

inite amusement of the children, who began to bustle about in eager prepa

for you," said I, producing a board roughly shaped like a kangaroo, and of about the size of one. This targ

of the creature, and the distance for firing measure

dy once; and Jack, by a lucky chance, shot the ears clean

ols ensued, in which Fri

ittle board as high as I possibly could up in the air, each in tur

e sedate Ernest succeeded quite as wel

lying board escape

ght come when ammunition would fail; and in this practice I saw with pleasure that

nd then I started

path. The first to reach the tree was to bring me, in proof of his succ

powers, took the lead at once, running in advance of Ernest, who started at a good, steady pace

th surprise toward the bridge, and Jack made his appearance, thundering along on his buffalo, with

sort of footrace do you

p to us; then flinging himself of

rize, I caught Storm, and made him gallop home with me, to be in time to see the oth

and after hearing all particulars about the running, and that he had reached Falconhurst t

nd when he put on his shark-skin buskins, which enabled him to take firm hold of larger trees, he played antics like a squir

ld not come near the grace and skill o

med, Fritz and Jack proving themselves very equa

table in the cave, leading young Grumble, the bull-calf, with a neat

h a pretty little air of

uite new and wonderful! The great bull-tamer, Milo of

cord, he made the animal, at the word of comman

nd showed off Grumble's

and the competitors found a plunge in salt wate

rt. At home in the element, no moment

effort, while Jack was far too violent

token of fu

our dwelling, the mother having preceded us in order

reat state, with the pri

, bowing respectfully, stood before her, like the victors in a tournament of old, awaiting the rewar

prize for shooting and swimming, a splendid doub

he running match, was giv

silver plated spurs, and a riding whip, bo

hip made of rhinoceros hide, which we thought woul

ed to my wife a lovely work-box, filled with every imaginable requirement f

f artillery, in order to close with befitting dignity and honor so great a day. They gave me no peace till they had leave to squander some gunpowder, and

were attracted thither, and as we had found those preserved last year of the greatest use among our stores of winter provisions, I would not miss the opportunity of renewing our stock;

had read in some account of the Palm Islanders, who make it of fresh caoutchouc mixed wi

esh caoutchouc from the trees, and as this involved a good

stock of these useful vessels. I was beginning to propose an expedition to the Gourd-tree Wood, regretting t

re flourishing, and crops of gourds and pumpkins

and began the manufacture of basins, dishes, plates, flasks, and s

h the caoutchouc, they broug

n animal which they called a marmot, but w

they had also collected, and a curious root whic

fore 'monkey pl

ar enough to see that the apes were most industriously grubbing up and eating roots. This they did in a way that nearly choked us with laughter, for when the root was rather hard to pull up, and the leaves were torn off, they seized it firmly in their teeth, and flung themselves fairly heels-over-head in the

ed in China "ginseng," and there prized and valued beyond everything.

wholesome that it is used as a sort of universal

permit it to be gathered, and guards

ed in Canada; it is cultivated in Pennsylvania, because the Amer

hen con

hing smashed or torn, and covered with mud and dirt; the fowls terrified, the sheep and goats s

tion hordes of savages who would soon come and lay waste Falconhurst and Tentholm as well as

ittle monkey in at some small opening, and bid him unfasten the shutters-you know what nimble fingers they have. Then of course the whole posse of them swarmed into our nice tidy cottage and skylarked with every single thi

m flying quickly in a wedge-shaped flock at a great height in the air. They began gradually to descend, taking the direction of the lake, and separated into a number of small detachments, which followed in a long, straight l

had begun to play a quick march after a slow one, and rapidly descended to earth i

them. Many darted to the ground, and, just touching it, wou

titude, as though at the word of command, alighted on

sts or sentinels, who instantly sprang into the air, uttering loud, trumpet-like cries, upon which the whole flock arose and followed them with a rush like a sudden squall of wind. We w

sing wild confusion among the cranes. The one which the eagle attacked sought to defend it

ful crane already dead. The eagle, luckily unhurt,

ands, got some turpentine and a b

em very palatable, either boiled or stewed; the monkey plant, however, if it really proved to be the

nt a supply of both roo