"Now journey: we took our game-bags and some hunting-knives The boys carried provisions, and I had large flask of water small hatchet, and gave Ernest carbine, which loaded with ball; keeping his light gun I carefully secured the opening tent hooks Turk went before, evidently considering himself our guide; and we crossed the river with some difficulty

" proceeded, help feeling thankful that you had so early taught the boys to use fire-arms properly, defence youngest boy and myself now depended two boys of ten and twelve

"When we attained the hill you described , charmed smiling prospect, and, first time since our shipwreck, ventured to hope for better things I had remarked beautiful wood, I determined our way, for little shade, and most painful progress , through grass that was higher children's heads were struggling through it, we heard strange rustling sound grass, and same moment bird of prodigious size rose, and flew away, poor boys could get their guns ready They were much mortified, and I recommended them always their guns in readiness, birds likely to wait till they loaded them Francis thought the bird was so large, it an eagle; but Ernest ridiculed the idea, and added that he thought it bustard tribe We went forward spot it had arisen, when suddenly another bird same kind, though still larger, sprung up, close to our feet, and was soon soaring above our heads help laughing the look of astonishment and confusion the boys looked upwards after it At last Jack took off his hat, and, making low bow, said, 'Pray, Mr Bird, be kind enough us another visit, us children ! ' the large nest they had left; rudely formed of dry grass, and empty, but some fragments of egg-shells were scattered near, as young recently hatched; we therefore concluded had escaped grass

"Doctor Ernest immediately began lecture 'You observe, Francis, these birds eagles, which form their nests ground Neither do their young run as soon hatched These gallinaceous tribe, an order of birds such as quails, partridges, turkeys, &c ; and, sort of feathered moustache which I observed corner beak, pronounce were bustards '

"But we had now reached the little wood, learned friend had sufficient employment in scrutinizing, and endeavouring to classify, the immense number of beautiful, unknown birds, which sung and fluttered about us, apparently regardless intrusion

" that what we thought wood was merely group of dozen trees, of height far beyond any I had ever seen; and apparently belonging rather air earth; the trunks springing from roots which formed series of supporting arches Jack climbed arches, and measured the trunk tree with piece of packthread it thirty-four feet thirty-two steps round the roots roots lowest branches, it seemed about forty or fifty feet The branches are thick and strong, leaves are of moderate size, and resemble our walnut-tree thick, short, smooth turf clothed the ground beneath and around the detached roots trees, and everything combined to render this delicious spots the mind could conceive

"Here we rested, and made our noon-day repast; clear rivulet ran near us, and offered its agreeable waters refreshment Our dogs soon joined us; but astonished crave for food, but laid down to sleep at our feet , so safe and happy did , that but think that contrive dwelling branches of trees, in perfect peace and safety We set out return, taking the road sea-shore, the waves had cast up anything wreck vessel quantity of timber, chests, and casks; but all too heavy to bring We succeeded in dragging them, as , reach tide; our dogs, mean time, fishing for crabs, they regaled themselves, much own satisfaction and to mine, as I now saw their own food rested rough labour, Flora scratching sand, and swallowing something with great relish Ernest watched, and then said, very quietly, ' turtles' eggs ' We drove away the dog, and collected about two dozen, leaving her the rest as reward for her discovery

"While we were carefully depositing our spoil game-bags, we were astonished sight of sail Ernest was certain papa and Fritz, and though Francis was in dread the savages who visited Robinson Crusoe's island, coming to eat us up, we were soon enabled to calm his fears We crossed the river by leaping from stone to stone, and, hastening landing-place, arrived to greet you happy return "

"And I understand, my dear," said I, "that discovered tree sixty feet high, where you wish perch like fowls But how are we up ? "

"Oh ! remember," answered she, "the large lime-tree near our native town, in ball-room We used to ascend by wooden staircase Could you not contrive something sort in gigantic trees, where sleep in peace, fearing neither jackals nor terrible nocturnal enemy "

I promised to consider this plan, hoping that make commodious and shady dwelling roots To-morrow we were to examine it We then performed our evening devotions, and retired to rest

* * * * *

CHAPTER VIII

"Now, my dear Elizabeth," said I, waking early next morning, " talk little grand project of changing our residence; many objections First, it seems wise to remain spot where Providence has cast us, where at once means of support drawn ship, and security from all attacks, protected rock, the river, sea on all sides "

My wife distrusted the river, which protect us jackals, and complained intolerable heat sandy desert, of her distaste for such food as oysters and wild geese; and, lastly, of her agony of mind, when we ventured wreck; willingly renouncing all its treasures, and begging rest content blessings we already had

" some truth in your objections," said I, "and perhaps erect dwelling under the roots of your favourite tree; but rocks storehouse goods, and retreat of invasion , by blowing off some pieces rock with powder, to fortify the part next the river, leaving secret passage known only to ourselves make it impregnable But before we proceed, bridge to convey our baggage across the river

"A bridge," said she, in tone of vexation; "then when shall we get from here ? Why cannot we ford it as usual ? The cow and ass could carry our stores "

I explained to her how necessary ammunition and provision conveyed over without risk of wetting, and begged her to manufacture some bags and baskets, and leave the bridge and my boys succeeded, it would always be useful; as for fear of danger from lightning or accident, I intended powder-magazine rocks

The important question was now decided I called up my sons, and communicated our plans They were greatly delighted, though somewhat alarmed, formidable project bridge; besides, the delay was vexatious; they were all anxious for removal Land of Promise_, chose it

We read prayers, and then thought of breakfast The monkey sucked goats, it its mother My wife milked the cow, and boiled milk with biscuit breakfast; part she put in flask, expedition We then prepared our boat for voyage vessel, to procure planks and timber bridge both Ernest and Fritz, as I foresaw our cargo weighty, and require all our hands to bring it to shore