He then inquired why search after those persons at all, who so unfeelingly abandoned us wreck

"First," said I, " not return evil for evil Besides, assist us, or be in need assistance Above all, remember, save nothing but themselves got many useful things right to "

"But saving the lives cattle," said he

" do our duty better by saving the life of man," answered I; "besides, our cattle have food for some days, sea is so calm no immediate danger "

We proceeded, and entering little wood that extended sea, we rested shade, near clear stream, and took some refreshment We were surrounded by unknown birds, more remarkable for brilliant plumage than charm voice Fritz thought some monkeys leaves, and Turk began restless, smelling about, and barking very loud Fritz was gazing up trees, when he fell over large round substance, which he brought , observing bird's nest it more likely cocoa-nut The fibrous covering had reminded him description he had read nests of certain birds; but, on breaking the shell, indeed cocoa-nut, but quite decayed and uneatable

Fritz was astonished; where sweet milk that Ernest had talked of ?

him the milk was only half-ripe nuts; thickened and hardened nut ripened, becoming kernel This nut had perished from remaining above ground earth, it vegetated, and burst the shell I advised my son if find perfect nut

After some search, one, and sat down to eat it, keeping our own provision for dinner The nut was somewhat rancid; but we enjoyed it, and then continued our journey We were before we got wood, being frequently obliged to clear road for ourselves, entangled brushwood, hatchets At last we entered the open plain again, and had clear view The forest still extended about stone's throw to our right, and Fritz, who was always look-out for discoveries, observed remarkable tree, here and there, which he approached to examine; and he soon called me this wonderful tree, with wens growing trunk

On coming up, overjoyed this tree, there were great number, gourd-tree, which bears fruit trunk Fritz asked if these were sponges him to bring me one, and explain the mystery

" one," said he, "very like pumpkin, only harder outside "

" shell," said I, " make plates, dishes, basins, and flasks We call it the gourd-tree "

Fritz leaped for joy "Now my dear mother her soup properly " I asked him if why the tree bore the fruit on its trunk, or thick branches only He immediately replied, smaller branches bear the weight fruit He asked me fruit was eatable "Harmless, I believe," said I; "but by no means delicate Its great value to savage nations consists shell, which they use to contain their food, and drink, and even cook " Fritz comprehend how cook shell without burning it him the shell was not placed fire; but, being filled with cold water, fish or meat placed , red-hot stones are, by degrees, introduced water, till it attains sufficient heat to cook the food, without injuring the vessel We then set about making our dishes and plates I showed Fritz better plan of dividing the gourd than with knife I tied string tightly round the nut, struck it handle knife till an incision , then tightened it till the nut was separated into two equally-sized bowls Fritz had spoiled his gourd by cutting it irregularly knife I advised him and make spoons of it, as it do for basins now him I had learnt my plan from books of travels practice savages, no knives, to use sort of string, made bark of trees, purpose "But how can they make bottles," said he "That requires some preparation," replied I "They tie bandage round the young gourd near the stalk, so part at liberty expands in round form, compressed part remains narrow They then open the top, and extract the contents by putting in pebbles and shaking it By complete bottle "

We worked on Fritz completed dish and some plates, great satisfaction, but we considered, that being so frail, carry them We therefore filled them with sand, sun warp them, and left them to dry, till we returned

went on, Fritz amused himself with cutting spoons rind gourd, and I tried same fragments cocoa-nut; but confess my performances were inferior I had seen museum in London, the work South Sea islanders We laughed at our spoons, which required mouths from ear to ear to eat Fritz declared curve rind cause defect: spoons smaller, been flat; and eat soup with an oyster-shell as with shovel

While we talked, neglect looking about lost companions, but in vain At last, we arrived at place where tongue of land ran to some distance sea, on an elevated spot, favourable for observation We attained the summit with great labour, and saw magnificent prospect of land and water; but with all the aid our excellent telescope , in no direction discover any trace of man Nature only appeared in her greatest beauty The shore enclosed large bay, which terminated other side in promontory The gentle rippling waves, the varied verdure woods, multitude of novelties around us, filled us with delight, but painful recollection who, we now were compelled , were buried beneath that glittering water feel less, however, the mercy of God, who had preserved us, and given us home, with prospect of subsistence and safety We yet met with any dangerous animals, nor could we perceive any huts of savages I remarked to my son that God seemed destined us to solitary life rich country, unless some vessel should reach these shores " ! " added I; "it best Now retire pretty wood to rest ourselves, and eat our dinner, before we return "