We were not a moment too soon; many of the young trees which before threatened to fall had now fulfilled their promise, and were lying prostrate5 on the ground, others were bent6, some few only remained erect7. We raised the trees, and digging deeply at their roots, drove in stout8 bamboo props10, to which we lashed11 them firmly with strong broad fibres.
`Papa,' said Franz, as we were thus engaged, and he handed me the fibres as I required them, `are these wild or tame trees?'
`Oh, these are wild trees, most ferocious12 trees,' laughed Jack13, `and we are tying them up lest they should run away, and in a little while we will untie14 them and they will trot15 about after us and give us fruit wherever we go. Oh, we will tame them; they shall have a ring through their noses like the buffalo!'
`That's not true,' replied Franz, gravely, `but there are wild and tame trees, the wild ones grow out in the woods like the crab16-apples, and the tame ones in the garden like the pears and peaches at home. Which are these, papa?'
`They are not wild,' I replied, `but grafted17 or cultivated or, as you call them, tame trees. No European tree bears good fruit until it is grafted!' I saw a puzzled look come over the little boy's face as he heard this new word, and I hastened to explain it.
`Grafting18,' I continued, `is the process of inserting a slip or twig19 of a tree into what is called an eye; that is, a knot or hole in the branch of another. This twig or slip then grows and produces, not such fruit as the original stock would have borne, but such as the tree from which it was taken would have produced. Thus, if we have a sour crab tree, and an apple tree bearing fine ribston pippins, we would take a slip of the latter, insert it in an eye of the former, and in a year or two the branch which it would then grow would be laden with good apples.'
`But,' asked Ernest, `where did the slips of good fruit come from, if none grow without grafting?'
`From foreign countries,' I replied. `It is only in the cold climate of our part of the world that they require this grafting; in many parts of the world, in more southern latitudes20 than ours, the most luscious21 fruit trees are indigenous22 to the soil, and flourish and bear sweet, wholesome23 fruit, without the slightest care of attention being bestowed24 upon them; while in England and Germany, and even in France, these same trees require the utmost exertion25 of horticultural skills to make them bring forth26 any fruit whatever.
`Thus, when the Romans invaded England they found nothing in the way of fruit trees but the crab-apple, nut bushes, and bramble bushes, but by grafting on these, fine apples, filberts, and raspberries were produced, and it was the same in our own dear Switzerland—all our fruit trees were imported.'
`Were cherries, father? May we not even call cherries Swiss? I always thought they grew nowhere else.'
`I am afraid we cannot even claim cherries as our own, not even the name of them; they are called cherries from Cerasus, a state of Pontus, in Asia, whence they were brought to Europe by Lucullus, a Roman general, about seventy years before Christ.
`Hazelnuts also come from Pontus; walnuts28, again, came originally from Persia. As for grapes, they are of the greatest antiquity29. We hear, if you remember, of Noah cultivating vines, and they have been brought from one place to another until they now are to be found in most parts of the civilized30 world.'
`Do you think all these trees will grow?' asked Fritz, as we crossed Jackal River and entered our plantation31 at Tentholm. `Here are lemons, pomegranates, pistachio nuts, and mulberries.'
`I have little doubt of it,' I replied, `we are evidently within the tropics, where such trees as these are sure to flourish.
`These pines, now, come from France, Spain, and Italy; the olives from Armenia and Palestine; the figs32 originally from the island of Chios; the preaches and apricots from Persia; plums from Damascus in Syria, and the pears of all sorts from Greece.
`However, if our countries have not been blessed in the same way with fruit, we have been given wisdom and skill, which has enabled us to import and cultivate the trees of other lands.'
We thus talked and worked until every tree that required the treatment was provided with a stout bamboo prop9, and then, with appetites which a gourmand33 might well have envied, we returned to Falconhurst.
I think my good wife was almost alarmed at the way we fell upon the corned beef and palm-cabbage she set before us, but at length these good things produced the desired effect, and one after another declared himself satisfied. As we sat reclining after our labour and digesting our dinner we discussed the various projects we had in contemplation.
`I wish,' said my wife, `that you would invent some other plan for climbing to the nest above us; I think that the nest itself is perfect, I really wish for nothing better, but I should like to be able to get to it without scaling that dreadful ladder every time; could you not make a flight of steps to reach it?'
I carefully thought over the project, and turned over every plan for its accomplishment34.
`It would be impossible, I am afraid,' said I, `to make stairs outside, but within the trunk it might be done. More than once have I thought that this trunk might be hollow or partly so, and if such be the case our task would be comparatively easy. Did you not tell me the other day that you noticed bees coming from a hole in the tree?'
`Oh, yes,' said little Franz, `and I went to look at them and one flew right against my face and stung me, and I almost cried, but I didn't.'
`Brave little boy,' said I. `Well, now, if the trunk be sufficiently35 hollow to contain a swarm36 of bees, it may be for all we can tell hollow the greater part of its length, for like the willow37 in our own country it might draw all its nourishment38 through the bark, and in spite of its real unsoundness retain a flourishing appearance.'
Master Jack, practical as usual, instantly sprang to his feet to put my conjecture39 to the proof. The rest followed his example, and they were all soon climbing about like squirrels peeping into the hole, and tapping the wood to discover by sound how far down the cavity extended.
They forgot, in their eagerness, who were the tenants40 of this interesting trunk. They were soon reminded of it, however, for the bees, disturbed by this unusual noise, with an angry buzz burst out and in an instant attacked the causers of the annoyance41; they swarmed42 round them, stung them on the hands, face, and neck, settled in their hair, and pursued them as they ran to me for assistance.
It was with difficulty that we got rid of the angry insects, and were able to attend to the boys. Jack, who had been the first to reach the hole, had fared the worst and was soon a most pitiable sight, his face swelled44 to an extraordinary degree, and it was only by the constant application of cold earth that the pain was alleviated45. They were all eager to commence an organized attack upon the bees at once, but for an hour or more by reason of their pain they were unable to render me much assistance.
In the meanwhile I made my arrangements. I first took a large calabash gourd46, for I intended to make a beehive, that, when we had driven the insects from their present abode47, we might not lose them entirely48. The lower half of the gourd I flattened49, I then cut an arched opening in the front for a doorway50, made a straw roof as a protection from the rain and heat, and the little house was complete.
Nothing more however could then be done, for the irritated bees were still angrily buzzing round the tree. I waited till dark, and then when all the bees had again returned to their trunk, with Fritz's assistance I carefully stopped up every hole in the tree with wet clay, that the bees might not issue forth next morning before we could begin operations.
Very early were we up and at work. I first took a hollow cane51, and inserted one end through the clay into the tree; down this tube with pipe and tobacco I smoked most furiously.
The humming and buzzing that went on within was tremendous; the bees evidently could not understand what was going to happen. I finished my first pipeful, and putting my thumb over the end of the cane, I gave the pipe to Fritz to refill. He did so and I again smoked. The buzzing was now becoming less noisy, and was subsiding52 into a mere53 murmur54. By the time I had finished this second pipe all was still; the bees were stupefied.
He was up in a moment, and, together, we cut a small door by the side of the hole; this door however, we did not take out, but we left it attached by one corner that it might be removed at a moment's notice, then giving the bees a final dose of tobacco smoke, we opened it.
Carefully but rapidly we removed the insects, as they clung in clusters to the sides of the tree, and placed them in the hive prepared for their reception. As rapidly I then took every atom of wax and honey from their storehouse, and put it in a cask I had made ready for the purpose.
The bees were now safely removed from the trunk, but I could not tell whether, when they revived from their temporary stupor56, they might not refuse to occupy the house with which I had presented them, and insist on returning to their old quarters. To prevent the possibility of this occurrence I took a quantity of tobacco, and, placing it upon a board nailed horizontally within the trunk, I lighted it and allowed it to burn slowly that the fumes57 might fill the cavity.
It was well I did so, for, as the bees returned to consciousness, they left their pretty hive and buzzed away to the trunk of the tree. They seemed astonished at finding this uninhabitable, and an immense deal of noisy humming ensued. Round and round they flew, backwards58 and forwards between the gourd and tree, now settling here and now there, until, at length, after due consideration, they took possession of the hive and abandoned their former habitation to us the invaders59 of their territory. By the evening they were quite quiet, and we ventured to open the cask in which we had stored our plunder60.
We first separated the honey from the honeycomb and poured it off into jars and pots; the rest we then took and threw into a vessel61 of water placed over a slow fire. It soon boiled and the entire mass became fluid. This we placed in a clean canvas bag, and subjected to a heavy pressure. The honey was thus soon forced out, and we stored it in a cask, and, though not perhaps quite equal to the former batch62 in quality, it was yet capital. The wax that remained in the bag I also carefully stored, for I knew it would be of great use to me in the manufacture of candles. Then after a hard day's work we turned in.
The internal architecture of the tree had now to be attended to, and early the following morning we prepared for the labourious task. A door had first to be made, so at the base of the trunk we cut away the bark and formed an opening just the size of the door we had brought from the captain's cabin, and which, hinges and all, was ready to be hung.
The clearing of the rotten wood from the centre of the trunk occupied us some time, but at length we had the satisfaction of seeing it entirely accomplished63, and, as we stood below, we could look up the trunk, which was like a great smooth funnel64, and see the sky above.
It was now ready for the staircase, and first we erected65 in the centre a stout sapling to form an axis66 round which to build the spiral stairs; in this we cut notches67 to receive the steps, and corresponding notches in the tree itself to support the outer ends. The steps themselves we formed carefully and neatly68 of planks69 from the wreck70, and clenched71 them firmly in their places with stout nails.
Upwards72 and upwards we built, cutting windows in the trunk as we required, to admit light and air, until we were flush with the top of the centre pole. On this pole we erected another to reach the top of the tree, and securing it firmly, built in the same way round it until we at length reached the level of the floor of the nest above.
To make the ascent73 of the stairs perfectly74 easy we ran a hand-rail on either side, one round the centre pillar, and the other following the curve of the trunk.
This task occupied us a whole month, and by the end of that period, so accustomed had we become to having a definite piece of work before us that we began to consider what other great alteration76 we should undertake.
We were, however, of course not neglecting the details of our colonial establishment. There were all the animals to be attended to; the goats and sheep had both presented us with additions to our flock, and these frisky77 youngsters had to be seen after; to prevent them straying to any great distance, for we had no wish to lose them, we tied round their necks little bells, which we had found on board the wreck, and which would assist us to track them.
Juno, too, had a fine litter of puppies, but, in spite of the entreaties78 of the children, I could not consent to keep more than two, and the rest disappeared in that mysterious way in which puppies and kittens are wont79 to leave the earth. To console the mother, as he said, but also, I suspect, to save himself considerable trouble, Jack placed his little jackal beside the remaining puppies, and, to his joy, found it readily adopted.
The other pets were also flourishing, and were being usefully trained. The buffalo, after giving us much trouble, had now become perfectly domesticated80, and was a very useful beast of burden, besides being a capital steed for the boys. They guided him by a bar thrust through the hole in his nose, which was now perfectly healed, and this served the purpose just as a bit in the mouth of a horse. I began his education by securing round him a broad girth of buffalo-hide and fastening to it various articles, to accustom75 him to carrying a burden. By degrees he permitted this to be done without making the slightest resistance, and soon carried the panniers, before borne by the ass43, readily and willingly.
I then made Master Knips sit upon his back and hold the reins81 I had prepared for him, that the animal might become accustomed to the feeling of a rider, and finally allowed Fritz himself to mount.
The education of the eagle was not neglected. Fritz every day shot small birds for his food, and these he placed sometimes between the wide-spreading horns of the buffalo or goat, and sometimes upon the back of the great bustard, that he might become accustomed to pounce82 upon living prey83.
These lessons had their due effect, and the bird, having been taught to obey the voice and whistle of his master, was soon allowed to bring down small birds upon the wing, when he stooped and struck his quarry84 in most sportsmanlike manner. We kept him well away from the poultry85-yard lest his natural instincts should show themselves, and he should put an untimely end to some of our feathered pets.
Neither was Master Knips allowed to remain idle, for Ernest, now that he was in his possession, wished to train him to be of some use. With Jack's help he made a little basket of rushes, which he so arranged with straps86 that it might be easily fitted on to the monkey's back. Thus equipped he was taught to mount cocoanut palms and other lofty trees, and to bring down their fruit in the hamper87.
Jack was not so successful in his educational attempts. Fangs88, as he had christened his jackal, used his fangs indeed, but only on his own account; nothing could persuade him that the animals he caught were not at once to be devoured89, consequently poor Jack was never able to save from his jaws90 anything but the tattered91 skin of his prey. Not disheartened, however, he determined92 that Fangs could be trained, and that he would train him.
These, and suchlike employments, afforded us the rest and recreation we required while engaged in the labourious task of staircase building.
Among my minor93 occupations, I applied94 myself to the improvement of our candles. Though the former batch had greatly delighted us at first, yet we were soon obliged to acknowledge that the light they gave was imperfect, and their appearance was unsightly; my wife, too, begged me to find some substitute for the threads of our cotton neck-ties*, which I had previously95 used as wicks.
* Not what we today call neckties, but rather a soft band of cloth worn loosely around the neck and used as a sweatband, to keep sweat and dirt from lodging96 in the neckband of the shirt. A collar at this time was a separate piece of cloth, buttoned on and worn only for at least semi-formal occasions.
To give the proper shape and smoothness to the candles, I determined to use the bamboo moulds I had prepared. My first idea was to pour the wax in at the end of the mould, and then when the candles were cooled to slip them out; but I was soon convinced that this plan would not succeed.
I therefore determined to divide the moulds lengthways, and then, having greased them well, we might pour the melted wax into the two halves bound tightly together, and so be able to take out the candles when cool without injuring them.
The wicks were my next difficulty, and as my wife positively97 refused to allow us to devote our ties and handkerchiefs for the purpose, I took a piece of inflammable wood from a tree, a native of the Antilles, which I thought would serve our purpose; this I cut into long slips, and fixed98 in the centres of the moulds. My wife, too, prepared some wicks from the fibres of the karata tree, which she declared would beat mine completely out of the field.
We put them to the proof. On a large fire we placed a pot, in which we prepared our wax mixture—half bees' wax and half wax from the candleberries. The moulds carefully prepared—half with karata fibre, and half with wooden splint wicks—stood on their ends in a tub of cold water, ready to receive the wax.
They were filled; the wax cooled; the candles taken out and subjected to the criticism of all hands. When night drew on, they were formally tested. The decision was unanimous: neither gave such a good light as those with the cotton wicks; but even my wife declared that the light from mine was far preferable to that emitted by hers, for the former, though rather flaring99, burned brilliantly, while the latter gave out such a feeble and flickering100 flame that it was almost useless.
I then turned shoemaker, for I had promised myself a pair of waterproof101 boots, and now determined to make them.
Taking a pair of socks, I filled them with sand, and then coated them over with a thin layer of clay to form a convenient mould; this was soon hardened in the sun, and was ready for use. Layer after layer of caoutchouc I brushed over it, allowing each layer to dry before the next was put on, until at length I considered that the shoes were of sufficient thickness. I dried them, broke out the clay, secured with nails a strip of buffalo-hide to the soles, brushed that over with caoutchouc, and I had a pair of comfortable, durable102, respectable-looking waterproof boots.
I was delighted; orders poured in from all sides, and soon everyone in the family was likewise provided for.
One objection to Falconhurst was the absence of any spring close by, so that the boys were obliged to bring water daily from the stream; and this involving no little trouble, it was proposed that we should carry the water by pipes from the stream to our present residence. A dam had to be thrown across the river some way up stream, that the water might be raised to a sufficient height to run to Falconhurst. From the reservoir thus made we led the water down by pipes into the turtle's shell, which we placed near our dwelling103, and from which the superfluous104 water flowed off through the hole made in it by Fritz's harpoon105.
This was an immense convenience, and we formally inaugurated the trough by washing therein a whole sack of potatoes. Thus day after day brought its own work, and day after day saw that work completed. We had no time to be idle, or to lament106 our separation from our fellow creatures.
One morning, as we were completing our spiral staircase, and giving it such finish as we were capable of, we were suddenly alarmed by hearing a most terrific noise, the roaring or bellowing107 of a wild beast; so strange a sound was it, that I could not imagine by what animal it was uttered.
Jack thought it perhaps a lion, Fritz hazarded a gorilla108, while Ernest gave it as his opinion, and I thought it possible that he was right, that it was a hyaena.
`Whatever it is,' said I, `we must prepare to receive it; up with you all to the nest while I secure the door.'
Then arming the dogs with their collars, I sent them out to protect the animals below, closed the door, and joined my family.
Every gun was loaded, every eye was upon the watch. The sound drew nearer, and then all was still; nothing was to be seen. I determined to descend109 and reconnoitre, and Fritz and I carefully crept down; with our guns at full cock we glided110 amongst the trees; noiselessly and quickly we pushed on further and further; suddenly, close by, we heard the terrific sound again. Fritz raised his gun, but almost as quickly again dropped it, and burst into a hearty111 fit of laughter.
There was no mistaking those dulcet112 tones—hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw, resounded113 through the forest, and our ass braying114 his approach right merrily appeared in sight. To our surprise, however, our friend was not alone: behind him trotted115 another animal, an ass no doubt, but slim and graceful116 as a horse. We watched their movements anxiously.
`Fritz,' I whispered, `that is an onager. Creep back to Falconhurst and bring me a piece of cord—quietly now!'
While he was gone, I cut a bamboo and split it halfway117 down to form a pair of pincers, which I knew would be of use to me should I get near the animal. Fritz soon returned with the cord, and I was glad to observe also brought some oats and salt. We made one end of the cord fast to a tree, and at the other end made a running noose118. Silently we watched the animals as they approached, quietly browsing119; Fritz then rose, holding in one hand the noose, and in the other some oats and salt.
The ass, seeing his favourite food thus held out, advanced to take it; Fritz allowed him to do so, and he was soon munching120 contentedly121. The stranger, on seeing Fritz, started back; but finding her companion show no signs of alarm, was reassured122, and soon approached sniffing123, and was about to take some of the tempting124 food.
In a moment the noose left Fritz's adroit125 hand and fell round her neck; with a single bound she sprang backwards the full length of the cord, the noose drew tight, and she fell to the earth half strangled. I at once ran up, loosened the rope and replaced it by a halter; and placing the pincers upon her nose, secured her by two cords fastened between two trees, and then left her to recover herself.
Everyone hastened up to examine the beautiful animal as she rose from the ground and cast fiery126 glances around. She lashed out with her heels on every side; and, giving vent27 to angry snorts, struggled violently to get free. All her endeavours were vain: the cords were stout, and after a while she quieted down and stood exhausted127 and quivering.
I then approached: she suffered me to lead her to the roots of our tree, which for the present formed our stables, and there I tied her up close to the donkey, who was likewise prevented from playing truant128.
Next morning I found the onager after her night's rest as wild as ever, and as I looked at the handsome creature I almost despaired of ever taming her proud spirit. Every expedient129 was tried, and at length, when the animal was subdued130 by hunger, I thought I might venture to mount her; and having given her the strongest curb131 and shackled132 her feet, I attempted to do so. She was as unruly as ever, and as a last expedient I resolved to adopt a plan which, though cruel, was I knew attended with wonderful success by the American Indians, by whom it is practised.
Watching a favourable133 opportunity, I sprang upon the onager's back, and seizing her long ear in my teeth, in spite of her kicking and plunging134, bit it through. The result was marvellous, the animal ceased plunging, and, quivering violently, stood stock-still.
From that moment we were her masters, the children mounted her one after the other, and she carried them obediently and quietly. Proud, indeed, did I feel as I watched this animal, which naturalists135 and travellers have declared to be beyond the power of man to tame, guided hither and thither136 by my youngest son.
Additions to our poultry yard reminded me of the necessity of providing some substantial shelter for our animals before the rainy season came on; three broods of chickens had been successfully hatched, and the little creatures, forty in all, were my wife's pride and delight.
We began by making a roof over the vaulted137 roots of our tree, forming the framework of bamboo canes138 which we laid close together and bound tightly down; others we fixed below as supports. The interstices were filled up with clay and moss139; and coating the whole over with a mixture of tar1 and lime-water, we obtained a firm balcony, and a capital roof impervious140 to the severest fall of rain. I ran a light rail round the balcony to give it a more ornamental141 appearance, and below divided the building into several compartments142. Stables, poultry yard, hay and provision lofts143, dairy, kitchen, larder144 and dining-hall were united under one roof.
Our winter-quarters were now completed, and we had but to store them with food. Day after day we worked, bringing in provisions of every description.
As we were one evening returning from gathering145 potatoes, it struck me that we should take in a store of acorns147; and sending the two younger boys home with their mother and the cart, I took a large canvas bag, and with Fritz and Ernest, the former mounted on his onager, and the latter carrying his little favourite, Knips, made a detour148 towards the Acorn146 Wood.
We reached the spot, tied Lightfoot to a neighbouring tree, and began rapidly to fill the sack. As we were thus engaged, Knips sprang suddenly into a bush close by, from which, a moment afterwards, issued such strange cries that Ernest followed to see what could be the matter.
`Come!' he shouted, `Come and help me! I've got a couple of birds and their eggs. Quick! Ruffed grouse149!'
We hurried to the spot. There was Ernest with a fluttering, screaming bird in either hand; while, with his foot, he was endeavouring to prevent his greedy little monkey from seizing the eggs. We quickly tied the legs of the birds, and removing the eggs from the nest, placed them in Ernest's hat; while he gathered some of the long, broad grass, with which the nest was woven, and which grew luxuriantly around, for Franz to play at sword-drill with.
We then loaded the onager with the acorns and moved homewards. The eggs I covered carefully with dry moss, that they might be kept warm, and as soon as possible I handed them over to my wife who managed the mother so cleverly that she induced her to return to the eggs, and in a few days, to our great delight, we had fifteen beautiful little Canadian chicks.
Franz was greatly pleased with the 'swords' his brother brought him; but having no small companion on whom to exercise his valour, he amused himself for a short time in hewing150 down imaginary foes151, and then cut the reeds in slips, and plaited them to form a whip for Lightfoot.
The leaves seemed so pliable152 and strong, that I examined them to see to what further use they might be put. Their tissue was composed of long silky fibres. A sudden thought struck me—this must be New Zealand flax. I could not rest till I had announced this invaluable154 discovery to my wife. She was no less delighted than I was.
`Bring me the leaves!' she exclaimed. `Oh, what a delightful155 discovery! No one shall now be clothed in rags; just make me a spindle, and you shall soon have shirts and stockings and trousers, all good homespun! Quick, Fritz, and bring your mother more leaves!'
We could not help smiling at her eager zeal153; but Fritz and Ernest sprang on their steeds, and soon the onager and buffalo were galloping157 home again, each laden with a great bundle of flax. The boys dismounted and deposited their offering at their mother's feet.
`Capital!' she exclaimed. `I shall now show you that I am not at all behindhand in ingenuity158. This must be retted, carded, spun156 and woven, and then with scissors, needle and thread I will make you any article of clothing you choose.'
We decided159 that Flamingo160 Marsh161 would be the best spot for the operation of steeping or `retting' the flax, and next morning we set out thither; the cart drawn162 by the ass, and laden with the bundles, between which sat Franz and Knips, while the rest of us followed with spades and hatchets163.
I described to my boys as we went along the process of retting, and explained to them how steeping the flax leaves destroys the useless membrane164, while the strong fibres remain.
As we were employed in making beds for the flax and placing it in them, we observed several nests of the flamingo. These are most curiously165 and skilfully166 made of glutinous167 clay, so strong that they can neither be overturned nor washed away. They are formed in the shape of blunted cones168, and placed point downwards169; at the upper and broader end is built a little platform to contain the eggs, on which the female bird sits, with her long legs in the water on either side, until the little birds are hatched and can take to the water.
For a fortnight we left the flax to steep, and then taking it out and drying it thoroughly170 in the sun, stored it for future use at Falconhurst.
Daily did we load our cart with provisions to be brought to our winter-quarters: manioc, potatoes, cocoanuts, sweet acorns, sugar-canes, were all collected and stored in abundance—for grumbling171 thunder, lowering skies, and sharp showers warned us that we had no time to lose. Our corn was sowed, our animals housed, our provisions stored, when down came the rain.
To continue in our nest we found impossible, and we were obliged to retreat to the trunk, where we carried such of our domestic furniture as might have been injured by the damp. Our dwelling was indeed crowded: the animals and provisions below, and our beds and household goods around us, hemmed172 us in on every side; by degrees, by dint173 of patience and better packing, we obtained sufficient room to work and lie down in; by degrees, too, we became accustomed to the continual noise of the animals and the smell of the stables.
The smoke from the fire, which we were occasionally obliged to light, was not agreeable; but in time even that seemed to become more bearable.
To make more space, we turned such animals as we had captured, and who therefore might be imagined to know how to shift for themselves, outside during the daytime, bringing them under the arched roots only at night. To perform this duty Fritz and I used to sally forth every evening, and as regularly every evening did we return soaked to the skin.
To obviate174 this, my wife, who feared these continual wettings might injure our health, contrived175 waterproofs176: she brushed on several layers of caoutchouc over stout shirts, to which she attached hoods177; she then fixed to these duck trousers, and thus prepared for each of us a complete waterproof suit, clad in which we might brave the severest rain.
In spite of our endeavours to keep ourselves busy, the time dragged heavily. Our mornings were occupied in tending the animals; the boys amused themselves with their pets, and assisted me in the manufacture of carding-combs and a spindle for their mother. The combs I made with nails, which I placed head downwards on a sheet of tin about an inch wide; holding the nails in their proper positions I poured solder178 round their heads to fix them to the tin, which I then folded down on either side of them to keep them perfectly firm.
In the evening, when our room was illuminated179 with wax candles, I wrote a journal of all the events which had occurred since our arrival in this foreign land; and, while my wife was busy with her needle and Ernest making sketches180 of birds, beasts and flowers with which he had met during the past months, Fritz and Jack taught little Franz to read.
Week after week rolled by. Week after week saw us still close prisoners. Incessant181 rain battered182 down above us, constant gloom hung over the desolate183 scene.
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tar
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| n.柏油，焦油；vt.涂或浇柏油/焦油于 | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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prop
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| vt.支撑；n.支柱，支撑物；支持者，靠山 | |
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10
props
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| 小道具； 支柱( prop的名词复数 )； 支持者； 道具； （橄榄球中的）支柱前锋 | |
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11
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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12
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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13
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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14
untie
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| vt.解开，松开；解放 | |
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15
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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16
crab
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| n.螃蟹，偏航，脾气乖戾的人，酸苹果；vi.捕蟹，偏航，发牢骚；vt.使偏航，发脾气 | |
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17
grafted
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| 移植( graft的过去式和过去分词 )； 嫁接； 使（思想、制度等）成为（…的一部份）； 植根 | |
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18
grafting
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| 嫁接法，移植法 | |
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19
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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20
latitudes
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| 纬度 | |
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21
luscious
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| adj.美味的；芬芳的；肉感的，引与性欲的 | |
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22
indigenous
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| adj.土产的，土生土长的，本地的 | |
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23
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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24
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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25
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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26
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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27
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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28
walnuts
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| 胡桃（树）( walnut的名词复数 )； 胡桃木 | |
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29
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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30
civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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31
plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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32
figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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33
gourmand
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| n.嗜食者 | |
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34
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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35
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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36
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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37
willow
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| n.柳树 | |
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38
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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39
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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40
tenants
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| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
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41
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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42
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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43
ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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44
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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45
alleviated
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| 减轻，缓解，缓和( alleviate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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46
gourd
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| n.葫芦 | |
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47
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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48
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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49
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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50
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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51
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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52
subsiding
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的现在分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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53
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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54
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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55
chisel
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| n.凿子；v.用凿子刻，雕，凿 | |
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56
stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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57
fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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58
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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59
invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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60
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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61
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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62
batch
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| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
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63
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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64
funnel
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| n.漏斗；烟囱；v.汇集 | |
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65
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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66
axis
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| n.轴，轴线，中心线；坐标轴，基准线 | |
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67
notches
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| n.（边缘或表面上的）V型痕迹( notch的名词复数 )；刻痕；水平；等级 | |
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68
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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69
planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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70
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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71
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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72
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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73
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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74
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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75
accustom
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| vt.使适应，使习惯 | |
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76
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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77
frisky
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|
| adj.活泼的，欢闹的；n.活泼，闹着玩；adv.活泼地，闹着玩地 | |
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78
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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79
wont
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|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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80
domesticated
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| adj.喜欢家庭生活的；（指动物）被驯养了的v.驯化( domesticate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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81
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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82
pounce
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| n.猛扑；v.猛扑，突然袭击，欣然同意 | |
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83
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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84
quarry
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| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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85
poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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86
straps
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| n.带子( strap的名词复数 )；挎带；肩带；背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 )；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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87
hamper
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| vt.妨碍，束缚，限制；n.(有盖的)大篮子 | |
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88
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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89
devoured
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|
| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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90
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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91
tattered
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| adj.破旧的，衣衫破的 | |
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92
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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93
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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94
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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95
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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96
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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97
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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98
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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99
flaring
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| a.火焰摇曳的，过份艳丽的 | |
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100
flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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101
waterproof
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| n.防水材料；adj.防水的；v.使...能防水 | |
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102
durable
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| adj.持久的，耐久的 | |
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103
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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104
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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105
harpoon
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| n.鱼叉；vt.用鱼叉叉，用鱼叉捕获 | |
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106
lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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107
bellowing
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| v.发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的现在分词 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫 | |
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108
gorilla
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| n.大猩猩，暴徒，打手 | |
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109
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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110
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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111
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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112
dulcet
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| adj.悦耳的 | |
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113
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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114
braying
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| v.发出驴叫似的声音( bray的现在分词 )；发嘟嘟声；粗声粗气地讲话（或大笑）；猛击 | |
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115
trotted
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| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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116
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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117
halfway
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| adj.中途的，不彻底的，部分的；adv.半路地，在中途，在半途 | |
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118
noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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119
browsing
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| v.吃草( browse的现在分词 )；随意翻阅；（在商店里）随便看看；（在计算机上）浏览信息 | |
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120
munching
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| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的现在分词 ) | |
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121
contentedly
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| adv.心满意足地 | |
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122
reassured
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| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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123
sniffing
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| n.探查法v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的现在分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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124
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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125
adroit
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| adj.熟练的，灵巧的 | |
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126
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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127
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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128
truant
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| n.懒惰鬼，旷课者；adj.偷懒的，旷课的，游荡的；v.偷懒，旷课 | |
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129
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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130
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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131
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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132
shackled
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| 给（某人）带上手铐或脚镣( shackle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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133
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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134
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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135
naturalists
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| n.博物学家( naturalist的名词复数 )；（文学艺术的）自然主义者 | |
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136
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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137
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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138
canes
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| n.（某些植物，如竹或甘蔗的）茎( cane的名词复数 )；（用于制作家具等的）竹竿；竹杖 | |
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139
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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140
impervious
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| adj.不能渗透的，不能穿过的，不易伤害的 | |
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141
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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142
compartments
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| n.间隔( compartment的名词复数 )；（列车车厢的）隔间；（家具或设备等的）分隔间；隔层 | |
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143
lofts
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| 阁楼( loft的名词复数 )； （由工厂等改建的）套房； 上层楼面； 房间的越层 | |
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144
larder
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| n.食物贮藏室，食品橱 | |
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145
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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146
acorn
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| n.橡实，橡子 | |
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147
acorns
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| n.橡子，栎实( acorn的名词复数 ) | |
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148
detour
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| n.绕行的路，迂回路；v.迂回，绕道 | |
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149
grouse
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| n.松鸡；v.牢骚，诉苦 | |
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150
hewing
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的现在分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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151
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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152
pliable
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| adj.易受影响的；易弯的；柔顺的，易驾驭的 | |
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153
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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154
invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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155
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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156
spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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157
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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158
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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159
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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160
flamingo
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| n.红鹳，火烈鸟 | |
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161
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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162
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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163
hatchets
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| n.短柄小斧( hatchet的名词复数 )；恶毒攻击；诽谤；休战 | |
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164
membrane
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| n.薄膜，膜皮，羊皮纸 | |
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curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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166
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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167
glutinous
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| adj.粘的，胶状的 | |
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168
cones
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| n.（人眼）圆锥细胞；圆锥体( cone的名词复数 )；球果；圆锥形东西；（盛冰淇淋的）锥形蛋卷筒 | |
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169
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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170
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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171
grumbling
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| adj. 喃喃鸣不平的, 出怨言的 | |
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172
hemmed
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| 缝…的褶边( hem的过去式和过去分词 )； 包围 | |
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173
dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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174
obviate
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| v.除去，排除，避免，预防 | |
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175
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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176
waterproofs
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| n.防水衣物，雨衣 usually plural( waterproof的名词复数 )v.使防水，使不透水( waterproof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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177
hoods
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| n.兜帽( hood的名词复数 )；头巾；（汽车、童车等的）折合式车篷；汽车发动机罩v.兜帽( hood的第三人称单数 )；头巾；（汽车、童车等的）折合式车篷；汽车发动机罩 | |
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178
solder
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| v.焊接，焊在一起；n.焊料，焊锡 | |
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179
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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180
sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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181
incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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182
battered
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| adj.磨损的；v.连续猛击；磨损 | |
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183
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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