THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON;

OR, ADVENTURES IN DESERT ISLAND

PREFACE

Many , an English translation first part charming tale appeared; and few books have obtained such deserved popularity The gradual progress family from utter destitution and misery, to happiness and abundance, arising from their own labour, perseverance, and obedience, together effect produced different characters sons stirring adventures they met with, created deep and absorbing interest Every young reader patronized either the noble Fritz, the studious Ernest, or the generous Jack, and regarded him as familiar personal acquaintance The book had but one defect--the death talented author left it unfinished, and every reader regretted its abrupt termination

This conclusion was happily supplied by accomplished and elegant writers of her day, the Baroness de Montolieu; and, sanctioned and approved son lamented author, the entire work was published in France, and has for many years held distinguished rank juvenile libraries there gratification of little family circle, this now appears in English; and as, on examining the first part original, found, that "some new discoveries made," thought best to re-translate it, subduing the tone whole to English taste The unanimous voices beloved circle, for whom the pleasant task was undertaken, have pronounced the result eminently successful, generously wish, whole juvenile public of England should share in their satisfaction, and possess complete Swiss Robinson

INTRODUCTION

known that, , Counsellor Horner, Swiss, made voyage round the world Russian vessel Le Podesda_, commanded by Capt Krusenstern They discovered many islands, and, amongst others, one very large and fertile, till then unknown to navigators, S W of Java, near the coast of New Guinea They landed here, and great surprise of Mr Horner, received by family who spoke to him in German They were father and mother, and four robust and hardy sons

Their history was very interesting The father was Swiss clergyman, who, Revolution of 1798, had lost all his fortune, and had determined to emigrate, to seek elsewhere the means of supporting his family He went first to England, wife and children, consisting of four sons, ages of twelve and five He there undertook the office of missionary to Otaheite; not that he intended to remain uncivilized island, but from thence to Port Jackson as free colonist He invested his little capital in seeds of every description, and some cattle, out They had prosperous voyage till they were near the coast of New Guinea, were overtaken by frightful storm period he commenced his journal, which he afterwards committed care of Mr Horner, forwarded friends in Switzerland

before, boat from an English vessel, the Adventurer_, had visited them, father had sent the first part journal by Lieut Bell captain, who remained vessel violent tempest arose, which continued some days, and drove the Adventurer_ coast The family concluded the ship was lost; but not the case, as seen conclusion

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CHAPTER I

The tempest had raged for six days, and seventh seemed to increase The ship driven from its course, that no one on board knew where we were was exhausted with fatigue and watching The shattered vessel began to leak in many places, the oaths sailors were changed to prayers, and each thought only how to save his own life "Children," said I, to my terrified boys, who were clinging round me, "God can save us if To him nothing is impossible; but if he thinks it good us to him, not murmur; be separated " My excellent wife dried her tears, and moment became more tranquil We knelt down to pray help Heavenly Father; fervour and emotion innocent boys proved that even children can pray, and find in prayer consolation and peace

We rose knees strengthened to bear the afflictions that hung over us Suddenly we heard amid the roaring waves the cry of "Land ! land ! " moment the ship struck on rock; the concussion threw us down We heard loud cracking, as vessel was parting asunder; that we were aground, and heard the captain cry, in tone of despair, " lost ! Launch the boats ! " These words were dagger to my heart, lamentations children were louder than ever I then recollected myself, and said, "Courage, my darlings, still, above water, land is near God helps those who trust in him Remain here, endeavour to save us "

I went on deck, and was instantly thrown down, and wet through by huge sea; second followed I struggled boldly waves, and succeeded in keeping myself up, when , with terror, the extent wretchedness The shattered vessel was almost in two; the crew had crowded boats, last sailor was cutting the rope I cried out, and prayed them us ; but my voice was drowned roar tempest, nor could returned through waves that ran mountains high All hope from their assistance was lost; but consoled by observing water enter the ship above certain height The stern, under which lay the cabin which contained all that was dear on earth, was immovably fixed between two rocks same time I observed, towards the south, traces of land, which, though wild and barren, was now the haven almost expiring hopes; no longer being able to depend on any human aid I returned to my family, and endeavoured to appear calm "Take courage," cried I, " yet hope ; the vessel, in striking rocks, is fixed which protects our cabin above the water, and wind should settle to-morrow, possibly reach the land "

This assurance calmed my children, and as usual, they depended on all them; they rejoiced heaving vessel had ceased, as, while it lasted, they were continually thrown against My wife, more accustomed to read my countenance, discovered my uneasiness; and by sign, I explained to her that I had lost all hope great consolation in seeing that she supported our misfortune with truly Christian resignation

" take some food," said she; " body, the mind is strengthened; this night of trial "

Night came, tempest continued its fury; tearing away the planks devoted vessel with fearful crashing It appeared absolutely impossible boats out-lived the storm

My wife had prepared some refreshment, the children partook with an appetite that feel The three younger ones retired beds, and soon slept soundly Fritz, the eldest, watched with me " considering," said he, "how save ourselves only had some cork jackets, or bladders, for mamma and my brothers, you and I don't need them, then swim to land "

"A good thought," said I, " try during the night to contrive some expedient to secure our safety " some small empty barrels cabin, which we tied two together handkerchiefs, leaving space between for each child; and fastened this new swimming apparatus under their arms My wife prepared the same for herself We then collected some knives, string, tinder-box, and such little necessaries as put pockets; thus, the vessel should fall to pieces during the night, we hoped enabled to reach land

Fritz, overcome with fatigue, lay down and slept brothers My wife and I, too anxious to rest, spent that dreadful night in prayer, and in arranging various plans How gladly we welcomed the light of day, shining through an opening The wind was subsiding, the sky serene, and I watched the sun rise with renewed hope I called my wife and children on deck The younger ones were surprised we were alone They inquired what had become sailors, and how manage the ship alone

"Children," said I, "one more powerful than man has protected us till now, and will still extend saving arm , if give way to complaint and despair Let all hands set to work Remember that excellent maxim, God helps those who help themselves all consider best now "

" leap sea," cried Fritz, "and swim shore "

" ," replied Ernest, " swim; but all drowned Would it not be better to construct raft and go all together ? "

"That might do," added I, " were strong enough for such work, and if raft was not always so dangerous conveyance But away, boys, look about you, and seek for anything useful "

We all dispersed to different parts vessel own part I went provision-room, to look casks of water and other necessaries of life; my wife visited the live stock and fed them, for they were almost famished; Fritz sought for arms and ammunition; Ernest carpenter's tools Jack had opened the captain's cabin, and was immediately thrown down by two large dogs, who leaped on him so roughly that he cried out as were going to devour him However, hunger had rendered them so docile licked his hands, and he soon recovered his feet, seized the largest ears, and mounting his back, gravely rode up as coming hold help laughing; I applauded his courage; but recommended him always prudent with animals kind, often dangerous when hungry

My little troop began to assemble Fritz had found two fowling-pieces, some bags of powder and shot, and some balls, in horn flasks Ernest was loaded with an axe and hammer, pair of pincers, large pair of scissors, and an auger showed itself half out pocket