The boys brought rods, which I smeared2 over, and made them place among the upper branches, where the fruit was plentiful3, and the birds most congregated4.
The prodigious5 number of the pigeons, far beyond those of last year, reminded me that we had not then, as now, witnessed their arrival at their feeding-places, but had seen only the last body of the season, a mere7 party of stragglers, compared to the masses which now weighed down the branches of all the trees in the neighbourhood.
The sweet acorns9 of the evergreen10 oaks were also patronized; large flocks were there congregated; and from the state of the ground under the trees it was evident that at night they roosted on the branches. Seeing this, I determined11 to make a raid upon them by torchlight, after the manner of the colonists12 in Virginia.
Meantime, the bird-lime acted well: the pigeons alighting, stuck fast. The more they fluttered and struggled, the more completely were they bedaubed with the tenacious13 mixture, and at length, with piteous cries, fell to the ground, bearing the sticks with them. The birds were then removed, fresh lime spread, and the snare14 set again.
The boys quickly became able to carry on the work without my assistance; so, leaving it to them, I went to prepare torches, with pinewood and turpentine, for the night attack.
Jack15 presently brought a very pretty pigeon, unlike the rest, to show me, as he felt unwilling16 to kill it; and seeing that it must be one of our own European breed, which we wished to preserve until their numbers greatly increased, I took the trembling captive, and gently cleaned its feet and wings with oil and ashes from the stiff, sticky mess with which it was bedaubed, placing it then in a wicker cage, and telling Jack to bring me any others like it which were caught. This he did; and we secured several pairs, greatly to my satisfaction, as having necessarily let them go free when we landed, they had become quite wild, and we derived17 no advantage from them: whereas now we would have a cot, and pigeon-pie whenever we liked.
When evening drew on, we set out for the wood of sweet acorns, provided merely with long bamboo canes18, torches and canvas sacks.
These weapons appeared very curious, and insufficient19 to the children; but their use was speedily apparent: for darkness having come upon us almost before we reached the wood, I lighted the torches, and perceived, as I expected, that every branch was thickly laden20 with ortolans and wild pigeons, who were roosting there in amazing numbers.
Suddenly aroused by the glare of light, confusion prevailed among the terrified birds, who fluttered helplessly through the branches, dazzled and bewildered, and many falling, even before we began to use the sticks, were picked up, and put in the bags.
When we beat and struck the branches, it was as much as my wife and Franz could do to gather up the quantities of pigeons that soon lay on the ground. The sacks were speedily quite full. We turned homewards, and on reaching Falconhurst, put our booty in safety, and gladly withdrew to rest.
The following day was wholly occupied in plucking, boiling, roasting and stewing21, so that we could find time for nothing else; but next morning a great expedition to Woodlands was arranged, that measures might there be taken to prevent a repetition of the monkey invasion. I hoped, could I but catch the mischievous22 rascals23 at their work of destruction, to inflict24 upon them such a chastisement25 as would effectually make them shun26 the neighbourhood of our farm for the future.
My wife provided us with a good store of provisions, as we were likely to be absent several days, while she, with Franz and Turk, remained at home.
I took with me abundance of specially27 prepared birdlime, far stronger than that which we used for the pigeons; a number of short posts, plenty of string, and a supply of cocoanut shells and gourds28.
The buffalo29 carried all these things, and one or two of the boys besides. I myself bestrode the ass8, and in due time we arrived at a convenient spot in the forest, near Woodlands, well concealed30 by thick bushes and underwood, where we made a little encampment, pitching the small tent and tethering the animals. The dogs, too, were tied up, lest they should roam about, and betray our presence.
We found the cottage quite quiet and deserted31; and I lost no time in preparing for the reception of visitors, hoping to be all ready for them, and out of sight before they arrived.
We drove the stakes lightly into the ground, so as to form an irregular paling round the house, winding32 string in and out in all directions between them, thus making a kind of labyrinth33, through which it would be impossible to pass without touching34 either the stakes or the cords.
Everything was plentifully35 besmeared with bird-lime; and basins of the mixture were set in all directions, strewed37 with rice, maize38, and other dainties for bait.
Night came without any interruption to our proceedings39; and all being then accomplished40, we retired41 to rest beneath the shelter of our little tent.
Very early in the morning we heard a confused noise, such as we knew betokened42 the approach of a large number of apes. We armed ourselves with strong clubs and cudgels, and holding the dogs in leash43, made our way silently behind the thickets44, till, ourselves unseen, we could command a view of all that went on; and strange indeed was the scene which ensued!
The noise of rustling45, crackling and creaking among the branches, with horrid46 cries, and shrieks47, and chattering48, increased to a degree sufficient to make us perfectly49 giddy; and then out from the forest poured the whole disorderly rabble50 of monkeys, scrambling51, springing, leaping from the trees, racing52 and tumbling across the grassy53 space towards the house; when, at once attracted by the novelties they saw, they made for the jars and bowls.
They seemed innumerable; but the confused, rapid way in which they swarmed54 hither and thither55, made it difficult to judge accurately56 of their numbers. They dashed fearlessly through and over the palings in all directions, some rushing at the eatables, some scrambling on to the roof, where they commenced tugging57 at the wooden pegs58, with a view to forcing an entrance.
Gradually, however, as they rambled59 over the place, all in turn became besmeared with our bird-lime on head, paws, back or breast. The wretched predicament of the apes increased every instant.
Some sat down, and with the most ludicrous gestures, tried to clean themselves. Others were hopelessly entangled60 in stakes and cordage, which they trailed about after them, looking the picture of bewildered despair.
Others, again, endeavoured to help one another, and stuck fast together: the more they pulled, and tugged61, and kicked, the worse became their plight62.
Many had the gourds and cocoanut shells lumbering63 and clattering64 about with them, their paws having been caught when they sought to obtain the rice or fruit we had put for bait.
Most ridiculous of all was the condition of one old fellow, who had found a calabash, containing palm wine, and, eagerly drinking it, was immediately fitted with a mask, for the shell stuck to his forehead and whiskers, of course covering his eyes; and he blundered about, cutting the wildest capers65 in his efforts to get rid of the encumbrance66.
Numbers took to flight; but, as we had spread bird-lime on several of the trees around, many apes found themselves fixed67 to, or hanging from the branches, where they remained in woeful durance, struggling and shrieking68 horribly.
The panic being now general, I loosed the three dogs, whose impatience69 had been almost uncontrollable, and who now rushed to the attack of the unfortunate monkeys, as though burning with zeal70 to execute justice upon desperate criminals.
The place soon had the appearance of a ghastly battlefield; for we were obliged to do our part with the clubs and sticks, till the din6 of howling, yelling, barking, in every conceivable tone of rage and pain, gave place to an awful silence, and we looked with a shudder71 on the shocking spectacle around us.
At least forty apes lay mangled72 and dead, and the boys began to be quite sad and downhearted, till I, fully36 sharing their feelings, hastened to turn their thoughts to active employment in removing and burying the slain73, burning the stakes, cordage, bowls, everything concerned in the execution of our deadly stratagem74.
After that we betook ourselves to the task of restoring order to our dismantled75 cottage; and seeking for the scattered76 flock of sheep, goats, and poultry77, we gradually collected them, hoping to settle them once more peacefully in their yards and sheds.
While thus engaged, we repeatedly heard a sound as of something heavy falling from a tree. On going to look, we found three splendid birds, caught on some of the limed sticks we had placed loose in the branches.
Two of these proved to be a variety of the Blue Molucca pigeon; the third I assumed to be the Nicobar pigeon, having met with descriptions of its resplendent green, bronze, and steely-blue plumage; and I was pleased to think of domesticating78 them, and establishing them as first tenants79 of a suitable dwelling80 near the cave.
`First tenants, father!' said Fritz. `Do you expect to catch more like these?'
`Not exactly catch them; I mean to practise a secret art. Much can be done by magic, Fritz!'
Further explanation I declined to give.
In a few days, Woodlands was once more set in order, and everything settled and comfortable, so that we returned without further adventure to Falconhurst, where we were joyfully81 welcomed.
Every one agreed that we must go at once to Tentholm, to make the proposed pigeon-house in the rock. Several other things there also requiring our attention, we made arrangements for a prolonged stay.
My plan for the pigeon-house was to hollow out an ample space in the cliff, facing towards Jackal river, and close to our rocky home, fitting that up with partitions, perches82 and nesting-places; while a large wooden front was fitted on to the opening, with entrance-holes, slides, or shutters83, and a broad platform in front, where the birds could rest, and walk about.
When, after the work of a few weeks, we thought it was fit for habitation, I set the other children to work at some distance from our cavern84, and summoning Fritz:
`Now, my faithful assistant,' said I, `it is time to conjure85 the new colonists to their settlement here. Yes,' I continued, laughing at his puzzled look. `I mean to play a regular pigeon-dealer's trick. You must know such gentry86 are very ingenious, not only in keeping their own pigeons safe, but in adding to their numbers by attracting those of other people. All I want is some soft clay, aniseed and salt, of which I will compound a mixture, which our birds will like very much, and the smell of which will bring others to share it with them.'
`I can easily get you those things, father.'
`I shall want some oil of aniseed besides,' said I, `to put on the pigeon-holes, so that the birds' feathers may touch it as they pass in and out, and become scented88 with what will attract the wild pigeons. This I can obtain by pounding aniseed; therefore, bring me the mortar89 and some oil.'
When this was strongly impregnated with the aromatic90 oil from the seeds (for I did not purpose to distill91 it in regular style), I strained it through a cloth, pressing it strongly: the result answered my purpose, and the scent87 would certainly remain for some days.
All my preparations being completed, the pigeons were installed in their new residence, and the slides closed. The European birds were by this time quite friendly with the three beautiful strangers; and when the other boys came home, and scrambled92 up the ladder to peep in at a little pane93 of glass I had fixed in front, they saw them all contentedly94 picking up grain, and pecking at the `magic food', as Fritz called it, although he did not betray my secret arts to his brothers.
Early on the third morning I aroused Fritz, and directed him to ascend95 the rope ladder, and arrange a cord on the sliding door of the dove-cot, by which it could be opened or closed from below. Also he poured fresh aniseed oil all about the entrance, after which we returned, and awoke the rest of the family, telling them that if they liked to make haste, they might see me let the pigeons fly.
Everybody came to the dove-cot, understanding that some ceremony was to attend the event, and I waved a wand with mock solemnity, while I muttered a seeming incantation, and then gave Fritz a sign to draw up the sliding panel.
Presently out popped the pretty heads of the captives, the soft eyes glanced about in all directions; they withdrew, they ventured forth96 again, they came timidly out on `the verandah', as little Franz expressed it; then, as though suddenly startled, the whole party took wing, with the shrill97 whizzing sound peculiar98 to the flight of pigeons, and circling above us, they rose higher, higher, finally darting99 quite out of sight.
While we were yet gazing after them, they reappeared, and settled quietly on the dove-cot; but as we congratulated ourselves on a return which showed they accepted this as a home, up sprang the three blue pigeons, the noble foreigners, for whom chiefly I had planned the house, and rising in circles high in air, winged their rapid way direct towards Falconhurst.
Their departure had such air of determination and resolve about it, that I feared them lost to us for ever.
Endeavouring to console ourselves by petting our four remaining birds, we could not forget this disappointment, and all day long the dove-cot remained the centre of attraction.
Nothing, however, was seen of the fugitives100 until about the middle of next day; when most of us were hard at work inside the cavern, Jack sprang in full of excitement, exclaiming:
`He is there! He is come! He really is!'
`Who? Who is there? What do you mean?'
`Oh, nonsense!' said Ernest. `You want to play us a trick.'
`Why should it be "nonsense"?' cried I. `I fully believe we shall see them all soon!'
Out ran everybody to the dove-cot, and there, sure enough, stood the pretty fellow, but not alone, for he was billing and cooing to a mate, a stranger of his own breed, apparently102 inviting103 her to enter his dwelling; for he popped in and out at the door, bowing, sidling, and cooing, in a most irresistible104 manner, until the shy little lady yielded to his blandishments, and tripped daintily in.
`Now, let's shut the door. Pull the cord and close the panel!' shouted the boys, making a rush at the string.
`Stop!' cried I. `Let the string alone! I won't have you frighten the little darlings. Besides, the others will be coming—would you shut the door in their faces?'
`Here they come! Here they come!' exclaimed Fritz, whose keen eye marked the birds afar, and to our delight the second blue pigeon arrived, likewise with a mate, whom, after a pretty little flirtation105 scene of real and assumed modesty106 on her part, he succeeded in leading home.
The third and handsomest of the new pigeons was the last in making his appearance. Perhaps he had greater difficulty than the others in finding a mate as distinguished107 in rank and beauty as himself. However, we fully expected them, and the boys talked of the arrival of `Mr. and Mrs. Nicobar' as a matter of course.
Late in the day Franz and his mother went out to provide for supper, but the child returned directly, exclaiming that we must hasten to the dove-cot to see something beautiful.
Accordingly a general rush was made out of the cave, and we saw with delight that the third stranger also had returned with a lovely bride, and encouraged by the presence of the first arrivals, they soon made themselves at home.
In a short time nest-building commenced, and among the materials collected by the birds, I observed a long grey moss108 or lichen109, and thought it might very possibly be the same which, in the West Indies, is gathered from the bark of old trees, where it grows, and hangs in great tuft-like beards, to be used instead of horse-hair for stuffing mattresses110.
My wife no sooner heard of it, than her active brain devised fifty plans for making it of use. Would we but collect enough, she would clean and sort it, and there would be no end to the bolsters111, pillows, saddles, and cushions she would stuff with it.
For the discovery of nutmegs we had also to thank the pigeons, and they were carefully planted in our orchard112. For some time no event of particular note occurred, until at length Jack, as usual, got into a scrape causing thereby113 no little excitement at home.
He went off early on one of his own particular private expeditions.
He was in the habit of doing this that he might surprise us with some new acquisition on his return.
This time, however, he came back in most wretched plight, covered with mud and green slime; a great bundle of Spanish canes was on his back, muddy and green like himself; he had lost a shoe, and altogether presented a ludicrous picture of misery114, at which we could have laughed, had he not seemed more ready to cry!
`My dear boy! What has happened to you? Where have you been?'
`Only in the swamp behind the powder magazine, father,' replied he. `I went to get reeds for my wickerwork, because I wanted to weave some baskets and hen-coops, and I saw such beauties a little way off in the marsh115, much finer than those close by the edge, that I tried to get at them.
`I jumped from one firm spot to another, till at last I slipped and sank over my ankles; I tried to get on towards the reeds, which were close by, but in I went deeper and deeper, till I was above the knees in thick soft mud, and there I stuck!
`I screamed and shouted, but nobody came, and I can tell you I was in a regular fright.
`At last who should appear but my faithful Fangs116! He knew my voice and came close up to me, right over the swamp, but all the poor beast could do, was to help me to make a row; I wonder you did not hear us! The very rocks rang, but nothing came of it, so despair drove me to think of an expedient117. I cut down all the reeds I could reach round and round me, and bound them together into this bundle, which made a firm place on which to lean, while I worked and kicked about to free my feet and legs, and after much struggling, I managed to get astride on the reeds.
`There I sat, supported above the mud and slime, while Fangs ran yelping118 backwards119 and forwards between me and the bank, seeming surprised I did not follow. Suddenly I thought of catching120 hold of his tail. He dragged and pulled, and I sprawled121, and crawled, and waded122, sometimes on my reeds like a raft, sometimes lugging123 them along with me, till we luckily got back to terra firma. But I had a near squeak124 for it, I can tell you.'
`A fortunate escape indeed, my boy!' cried I, `And I thank God for it. Fangs has really acted a heroic part as your deliverer, and you have shown great presence of mind. Now go with your mother, and get rid of the slimy traces of your disaster! You have brought me splendid canes, exactly what I want for a new scheme of mine.'
The fact was, I meant to try to construct a loom125 for my wife, for I knew she understood weaving, so I chose two fine strong reeds, and splitting them carefully, bound them together again, that when dry they might be quite straight and equal, and fit for a frame. Smaller reeds were cut into pieces and sharpened for the teeth of the comb. The boys did this for me without in the least knowing their use, and great fun they made of `father's monster toothpicks'.
In time all the various parts of the loom were made ready and put together, my wife knowing nothing of it, while to the incessant126 questions of the children, I replied mysteriously:
`Oh, it is an outlandish sort of musical instrument; mother will know how to play upon it.'*
* He has forgotten his dictum about truth even in jest.
And when the time came for presenting it, her joy was only equalled by the amusement and interest with which the children watched her movements while `playing the loom', as they always said.
About this time, a beautiful little foal, a son of the onager, was added to our stud, and as he promised to grow up strong and tractable127, we soon saw how useful he would be. The name of `Swift' was given to him, and he was to be trained for my own riding.
The interior arrangements of the cavern being now well forward, I applied128 myself to contriving129 an aqueduct, that fresh water might be led close up to our cave, for it was a long way to go to fetch it from Jackal River, and especially inconvenient130 on washing days. As I wanted to do this before the rainy season began, I set about it at once.
Pipes of hollow bamboo answered the purpose well, and a large cask formed the reservoir. The supply was good, and the comfort of having it close at hand so great, that my wife declared she was as well pleased with our engineering as if we had made her a fountain and marble basin adorned131 with mermaids132 and dolphins.
Anticipating the setting-in of the rains, I pressed forward all work connected with stores for the winter, and great was the in-gathering of roots, fruits, and grains, potatoes, rice, guavas, sweet acorns, pine-cones; load after load arrived at the cavern, and my wife's active needle was in constant requisition, as the demand for more sacks and bags was incessant.
Casks and barrels of all sorts and sizes were pressed into the service, until at last the raft was knocked to pieces, and its tubs made to do duty in the store-rooms.
The weather became very unsettled and stormy. Heavy clouds gathered in the horizon, and passing storms of wind, with thunder, lightning, and torrents133 of rain swept over the face of nature from time to time.
The sea was in frequent commotion134; heavy groundswells drove masses of water hissing135 and foaming136 against the cliffs.
Everything heralded137 the approaching rains. All nature joined in sounding forth the solemn overture138 to the grandest work of the year.
It was now near the beginning of the month of June, and we had twelve weeks of bad weather before us.
We established some of the animals with ourselves at the salt-cave. The cow, the ass, Lightfoot, Storm and the dogs, were all necessary to us, while Knips, Fangs and the eagle were sure to be a great amusement in the long evenings.
The boys would ride over to Falconhurst very often to see that all was in order there, and fetch anything required.
Much remained to be done in order to give the cave a comfortable appearance, which became more desirable now that we had to live indoors.
The darkness of the inner regions annoyed me, and I set myself to invent a remedy. After some thought, I called in Jack's assistance, and we got a very tall, strong bamboo, which would reach right up to the vaulted139 roof. This we planted in the earthen floor, securing it well by driving wedges in round it.
Jack ascended140 this pole very cleverly, taking with him a hammer and chisel141 to enlarge a crevice142 in the roof so as to fix a pulley, by means of which, when he descended143, I drew up a large ship's lantern, well supplied with oil, and as there were four wicks, it afforded a very fair amount of light.
Several days were spent in arranging the different rooms. Ernest and Franz undertook the library, fixing shelves, and setting the books in order. Jack and his mother took in hand the sitting-room144 and kitchen, while Fritz and I, as better able for heavy work, arranged the workshops. The carpenter's bench, the turning lathe145, and a large chest of tools were set in convenient places, and many tools and instruments hung on the walls.
An adjoining chamber146 was kitted up as a forge, with fire-place, bellows147, and anvil148, complete, all which we had found in the ship, packed together, and ready to set up.
When the great affairs were settled, we still found in all directions work to be done. Shelves, tables, benches, movable steps, cupboards, pegs, door-handles and bolts—there seemed no end to our requirements, and we often thought of the enormous amount of work necessary to maintain the comforts and conveniences of life which at home we had received as matters of course.
But in reality, the more there was to do the better; and I never ceased contriving fresh improvements, being fully aware of the importance of constant employment as a means of strengthening and maintaining the health of mind and body. This, indeed, with a consciousness of continual progress toward a desirable end, is found to constitute the main element of happiness.
Our rocky home was greatly improved by a wide porch which I made along the whole front of our rooms and entrances, by levelling the ground to form a terrace, and sheltering it with a verandah of bamboo, supported by pillars of the same.
Ernest and Franz were highly successful as librarians. The books, when unpacked150 and arranged, proved to be a most valuable collection, capable of affording every sort of educational advantage.
Besides a variety of books of voyages, travels, divinity, and natural history (several containing fine coloured illustrations), there were histories and scientific works, as well as standard fictions in several languages; also a good assortment151 of maps, charts, mathematical and astronomical152 instruments, and an excellent pair of globes.
I foresaw much interesting study on discovering that we possessed153 the grammars and dictionaries of a great many languages, a subject for which we all had a taste. With French we were well acquainted. Fritz and Ernest had begun to learn English at school, and made further progress during a visit to England. Their mother, who had once been intimate with a Dutch family, could speak that language pretty well.
After a great deal of discussion, we agreed to study different languages, so that in the event of meeting with people of other nations, there should be at least one of the family able to communicate with them.
All determined to improve our knowledge of German and French. The two elder boys were to study English and Dutch with their mother.
Ernest, already possessing considerable knowledge of Latin, wished to continue to study it, so as to be able to make use of the many works on natural history and medicine written in that language.
I myself was interested in the Malay language, knowing it to be so widely spoken in the islands of the Eastern Seas, and thinking it as likely as any other to be useful to us.
Our family circle by and by represented Babel in miniature, for scraps155 and fragments of all these tongues kept buzzing about our ears from morning to night, each sporting his newly acquired word or sentence on every possible occasion, propounding156 idioms and peculiar expressions like riddles157, to puzzle the rest.
In this way, the labour of learning was very considerably158 lightened, and everyone came to know a few words of each language.
Occasionally we amused ourselves by opening chests and packages hitherto untouched, and brought unexpected treasures to light—mirrors, wardrobes, a pair of console tables with polished marble tops, elegant writing tables and handsome chairs, clocks of various descriptions, a musical-box, and a chronometer159 were found; and by degrees our abode160 was fitted up like a palace, so that sometimes we wondered at ourselves, and felt as though we were strutting161 about in borrowed plumes162.
The children begged me to decide on a name for our salt cave dwelling, and that of Rockburg was chosen unanimously.
The weeks of imprisonment163 passed so rapidly that no one found time hang heavy on his hands.
Books occupied me so much that but little carpentering was done, yet I made a yoke164 for the oxen, a pair of cotton-wool carders, and a spinning-wheel for my wife.
As the rainy season drew to a close, the weather for a while became wilder, and the storms fiercer than ever. Thunder roared, lightning blazed, torrents rushed towards the sea, which came in raging billows to meet them, lashed165 to fury by the tempests of wind which swept the surface of the deep.
The uproar166 of the elements came to an end at last. Nature resumed her attitude of repose167, her smiling aspect of peaceful beauty; and soon all traces of the ravages168 of floods and storms would disappear beneath the luxuriant vegetation of the tropics.
Gladly quitting the sheltering walls of Rockburg to roam once more in the open air, we crossed Jackal River, for a walk along the coast, and presently Fritz with his sharp eyes observed something on the small island near Flamingo169 Marsh, which was, he said, long and rounded, resembling a boat bottom upwards170.
Examining it with the telescope, I could form no other conjecture171, and we resolved to make it the object of an excursion next day, being delighted to resume our old habit of starting in pursuit of adventure. The boat was accordingly got in readiness; it required some repairs, and fresh pitching, and then we made for the point of interest, indulging in a variety of surmises172 as to what we should find.
It proved to be a huge stranded173 whale. The island being steep and rocky, it was necessary to be careful; but we found a landing-place on the further side. The boys hurried by the nearest way to the beach where lay the monster of the deep, while I clambered to the highest point of the islet, which commanded a view of the mainland from Rockburg to Falconhurst.
On rejoining my sons, I found them only half-way to the great fish, and as I drew near they shouted in high glee:
`Oh, father, just look at the glorious shells and coral branches we are finding! How does it happen that there are such quantities?'
`Only consider how the recent storms have stirred the ocean to its depths! No doubt thousands of shellfish have been detached from their rocks and dashed in all direction by the waves, which have thrown ashore174 even so huge a creature as the whale yonder.'
`Yes; isn't he a frightful175 great brute176!' cried Fritz. `Ever so much larger than he seemed from a distance. The worst of it is, one does not well see what use to make of the huge carcase.'
`Why, make train oil, to be sure,' said Ernest. `I can't say he's a beauty, though, and it is much pleasanter to gather these lovely shells, than to cut up blubber.'
`Well, let us amuse ourselves with them for the present,' said I, `but in the afternoon, when the sea is calmer, we will return with the necessary implements177, and see if we can turn the stranded whale to good account.'
We were soon ready to return to the boat, but Ernest had a fancy for remaining alone on the island till we came back, and asked my permission to do so, that he might experience, for an hour or two, the sensations of Robinson Crusoe.
To this, however, I would not consent, assuring him that our fate, as a solitary178 family, gave him quite sufficient idea of shipwreck179 on an uninhabited island, and that his lively imagination must supply the rest.
The boys found it hard work to row back, and began to beg of me to exert my wonderful inventive powers in contriving some kind of rowing machine.
`You lazy fellows!' returned I. `Give me the great clockwork out of a church tower, perhaps I might be able to relieve your labours.'
`Oh father!' cried Fritz. `Don't you know there are iron wheels in the clockwork of the large kitchen-jacks? I'm sure mother would give them up, and you could make something out of them, could you not?'
`By the time I have manufactured a rowing-machine out of a roasting-jack, I think your arms will be pretty well inured180 to the use of your oars181! However, I am far from despising the hint, my dear Fritz.'
`Is coral of any use?' demanded Jack suddenly.
`In former times it was pounded and used by chemists; but it is now chiefly used for various ornaments182, and made into beads183 for necklaces et cetera. As such, it is greatly prized by savages184, and were we to fall in with natives, we might very possibly find a store of coral useful in bartering185 with them.
`For the present we will arrange these treasures of the deep in our library, and make them the beginning of a Museum of Natural History, which will afford us equal pleasure and instruction.'
`One might almost say that coral belongs at once to the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms,' remarked Fritz; `it is hard like stone, it has stems and branches like a shrub186, and I believe tiny insects inhabit the cells, do they not, father?'
`You are right, Fritz; coral consists of the calcereous cells of minute animals, so built up as to form a tree-like structure.
`The coral fishery gives employment to many men in the Persian Gulf187, the Mediterranean188 Sea, and other places. The instrument commonly used consists of two heavy beams of wood, secured together at right angles, and loaded with stones. Hemp189 and netting are attached to the under side of the beams, to the middle of which is fastened one end of a strong rope, by which the apparatus190 is let down from a boat, and guided to the spots where the coral is most abundant.
`The branches of the coral become entangled in the hemp and network; they are broken off from the rock, and are drawn191 to the surface of the water.
`Left undisturbed, these coral insects, labouring incessantly192, raise foundations, on which, in course of time, fertile islands appear, clothed with verdure, and inhabited by man.'
`Why father, here we are at the landing-place!' exclaimed Jack.
`It has seemed quite easy to pull since you began to tell us such interesting things.'
`Very interesting, indeed; but did you notice that the wind had changed, Jack?' remarked Ernest as he shipped his oar149.
The animated193 recital194 of our adventures, the sight of the lovely shells and corals, and the proposed work for the afternoon, inspired my wife and Franz with a great wish to accompany us.
To this I gladly consented, only stipulating195 that we should go provided with food, water and a compass. `For,' said I, `the sea has only just ceased from its raging, and being at the best of times of uncertain and capricious nature, we may chance to be detained on the island, or forced to land at a considerable distance from home.'
Dinner was quickly dispatched, and preparations set on foot. The more oil we could obtain the better, for a great deal was used in the large lantern which burnt day and night in the recesses196 of the cave; therefore all available casks and barrels were pressed into the service; many, of course, once full of pickled herrings, potted pigeons and other winter stores, were now empty, and we took a goodly fleet of these in tow.
Knives, hatchets197, and the boys' climbing buskins, were put on board, and we set forth, the labour of the oar being greater than ever, now that our freight was so much increased.
The sea being calm, and the tide suiting better, we found it easy to land close to the whale; my first care was to place the boat, as well as the casks, in perfect security, after which we proceeded to a close inspection198 of our prize.
Its enormous size quite startled my wife and little boy; the length being from sixty to sixty-five feet, and the girth between thirty and forty, while the weight could not have been less than 50,000 lbs.
The color was a uniform velvety199 black, and the enormous head about one-third of the length of the entire hulk, the eyes quite small, not much larger than those of an ox, and the ears almost undiscernable.
The jaw200 opened very far back, and was nearly sixteen feet in length, the most curious part of its structure being the remarkable201 substance known as whalebone, masses of which appeared all along the jaws202, solid at the base, and splitting into a sort of fringe at the extremity203. This arrangement is for the purpose of aiding the whale in procuring204 its food, and separating it from the water.
The tongue was remarkably205 large, soft, and full of oil; the opening of the throat wonderfully small, scarcely two inches in diameter.
`Why, what can the monster eat?' exclaimed Fritz; `he can never swallow a proper mouthful down this little gullet!'
`The mode of feeding adopted by the whale is so curious,' I replied, `that I must explain it to you before we begin work.
`This animal (for I should tell you that a whale is not a fish; he possess no gills, he breathes atmospheric206 air, and would be drowned if too long detained below the surface of the water); this animal, then, frequents those parts of the ocean best supplied with the various creatures on which he feeds. Shrimps207, small fish, lobsters208, various molluscs, and medusae form his diet.
`Driving with open mouth through the congregated shoals of these little creatures, the whale engulfs209 them by millions in his enormous jaws, and continues his destructive course until he has sufficiently210 charged his mouth with prey211.
`Closing his jaws and forcing out, through the interstices of the whalebone, the water which he has taken with his prey, he retains the captured animals, and swallows them at his leisure.
`The nostrils212, or blow-holes, are placed, you see, on the upper part of the head, in order that the whale may rise to breathe, and repose on the surface of the sea, showing very little of his huge carcase.
`The breathings are called "spoutings," because a column of mixed vapor213 and water is thrown from the blow-holes, sometimes to a height of twenty feet.
`And now, boys,' cried I, `fasten on your buskins, and let me see if you can face the work of climbing this slippery mountain of flesh, and cutting it up.'
Fritz and Jack stripped, and went to work directly, scrambling over the back to the head, where they assisted me to cut away the lips, so as to reach the whale bone, a large quantity of which was detached and carried to the boat.
Ernest laboured manfully at the creature's side, cutting out slabs214 of blubber, while his mother and Franz helped as well as they could to put it in casks.
Presently we had a multitude of unbidden guests. The air was filled by the shrill screams and hoarse215 croaks216 and cries of numbers of birds of prey; they flew around us in ever narrowing circles, and becoming bolder as their voracity217 was excited by the near view of the tempting218 prey, they alighted close to us, snatching morsels219 greedily from under the very strokes of our knives and hatchets.
Our work was seriously interrupted by these feathered marauders, who, after all, were no greater robbers than we ourselves. We kept them off as well as we could by blows from our tools, and several were killed, my wife taking possession of them immediately for the sake of the feathers.
It was nearly time to leave the island, but first I stripped off a long piece of the skin, to be used for traces, harness, and other leather-work. It was about three-quarters of an inch thick, and very soft and oily—but I knew it would shrink and be tough and durable220.
I also took a part of the gums in which the roots of the baleen221 or whalebone was still embedded222, having read that this is considered quite a delicacy223, as well as the skin, which, when properly dressed and cut in little cubes, like black dice224, has been compared, by enthusiastic (and probably very hungry) travellers, to cocoanut and cream-cheese.
The boys thought the tongue might prove equally palatable225, but I valued it only on account of the large quantity of oil it contained.
With a heavy freight we put to sea, and made what haste we could to reach home and cleanse226 our persons from the unpleasant traces of the disgusting work in which we had spent the day.
Next morning we started at dawn. My wife and Franz were left behind, for our proposed work was even more horrible than that of the preceding day; they could not assist, and had no inclination227 to witness it.
It was my intention to open the carcase completely, and, penetrating228 the interior, to obtain various portions of the intestines229, thinking that it would be possible to convert the larger ones into vessels230 fit for holding the oil.
This time we laid aside our clothes and wore only strong canvas trousers when we commenced operations, which were vigorously carried on during the whole of the day; then, satisfied that we could do so with a clear conscience, we abandoned the remains231 to the birds of prey, and, with a full cargo232, set sail for land.
On the way, it appeared to strike the boys (who had made not the slightest objection to the singularly unpleasant task I had set them) as very strange that I should wish to possess what they had been working so hard to procure233 for me.
`What can have made you wish to bring away that brute's entrails, father? Are they of any use?'
`There are countries,' I replied, `where no wood grows of which to make barrels, and no hemp for thread, string and cordage. Necessity, the mother of all the more valuable inventions, has taught the inhabitants of those countries, Greenlanders, Esquimaux and others, to think of substitutes, and they use the intestines of the whale for one purpose, the sinews and nerves for the other.'
We were right glad to land, and get rid, for the present, of our unpleasant materials, the further preparation of which was work in store for the following day.
A refreshing234 bath, clean clothes, and supper, cheered us all up, and we slept in peace.
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1
adhesive
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| n.粘合剂；adj.可粘着的，粘性的 | |
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smeared
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| 弄脏； 玷污； 涂抹； 擦上 | |
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plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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congregated
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| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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acorns
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| n.橡子，栎实( acorn的名词复数 ) | |
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evergreen
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| n.常青树；adj.四季常青的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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colonists
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| n.殖民地开拓者，移民，殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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15
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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16
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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18
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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19
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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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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21
stewing
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| 炖 | |
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22
mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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23
rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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24
inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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25
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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26
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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27
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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28
gourds
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| n.葫芦( gourd的名词复数 ) | |
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29
buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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30
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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32
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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33
labyrinth
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| n.迷宫；难解的事物；迷路 | |
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34
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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35
plentifully
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| adv. 许多地，丰饶地 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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37
strewed
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| v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 )；散落于；点缀；撒满 | |
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38
maize
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| n.玉米 | |
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39
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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40
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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41
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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42
betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
leash
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| n.牵狗的皮带，束缚；v.用皮带系住 | |
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44
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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45
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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46
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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47
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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48
chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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49
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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50
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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51
scrambling
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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52
racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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53
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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54
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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55
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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56
accurately
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| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
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57
tugging
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| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
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58
pegs
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| n.衣夹( peg的名词复数 )；挂钉；系帐篷的桩；弦钮v.用夹子或钉子固定( peg的第三人称单数 )；使固定在某水平 | |
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59
rambled
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| （无目的地）漫游( ramble的过去式和过去分词 )； （喻）漫谈； 扯淡； 长篇大论 | |
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60
entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
tugged
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| v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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62
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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63
lumbering
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| n.采伐林木 | |
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64
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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65
capers
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| n.开玩笑( caper的名词复数 )；刺山柑v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的第三人称单数 ) | |
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66
encumbrance
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| n.妨碍物，累赘 | |
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67
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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68
shrieking
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| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
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69
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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70
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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71
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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72
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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73
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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74
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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75
dismantled
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| 拆开( dismantle的过去式和过去分词 )； 拆卸； 废除； 取消 | |
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76
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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77
poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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78
domesticating
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| v.驯化( domesticate的现在分词 ) | |
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79
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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80
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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81
joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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82
perches
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| 栖息处( perch的名词复数 )； 栖枝； 高处； 鲈鱼 | |
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83
shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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84
cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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85
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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86
gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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87
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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88
scented
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| adj.有香味的；洒香水的；有气味的v.嗅到(scent的过去分词) | |
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89
mortar
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| n.灰浆，灰泥；迫击炮；v.把…用灰浆涂接合 | |
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90
aromatic
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| adj.芳香的，有香味的 | |
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91
distill
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| vt.蒸馏，用蒸馏法提取，吸取，提炼 | |
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92
scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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93
pane
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| n.窗格玻璃，长方块 | |
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94
contentedly
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| adv.心满意足地 | |
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95
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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96
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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97
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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98
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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99
darting
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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100
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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101
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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102
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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103
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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104
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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105
flirtation
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| n.调情，调戏，挑逗 | |
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106
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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107
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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108
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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109
lichen
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| n.地衣, 青苔 | |
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110
mattresses
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| 褥垫，床垫( mattress的名词复数 ) | |
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111
bolsters
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| n.长枕( bolster的名词复数 )；垫子；衬垫；支持物v.支持( bolster的第三人称单数 )；支撑；给予必要的支持；援助 | |
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112
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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113
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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114
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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115
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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116
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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117
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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118
yelping
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| v.发出短而尖的叫声( yelp的现在分词 ) | |
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119
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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120
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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121
sprawled
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| v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的过去式和过去分词)；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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122
waded
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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123
lugging
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| 超载运转能力 | |
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124
squeak
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|
| n.吱吱声，逃脱；v.（发出）吱吱叫，侥幸通过；（俚）告密 | |
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125
loom
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|
| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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126
incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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127
tractable
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| adj.易驾驭的；温顺的 | |
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128
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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129
contriving
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| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的现在分词 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
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130
inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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131
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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132
mermaids
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| n.（传说中的）美人鱼( mermaid的名词复数 ) | |
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133
torrents
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| n.倾注；奔流( torrent的名词复数 )；急流；爆发；连续不断 | |
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134
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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135
hissing
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|
| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
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136
foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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137
heralded
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| v.预示( herald的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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138
overture
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| n.前奏曲、序曲，提议，提案，初步交涉 | |
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139
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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140
ascended
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|
| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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141
chisel
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| n.凿子；v.用凿子刻，雕，凿 | |
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142
crevice
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| n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口 | |
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143
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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144
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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145
lathe
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| n.车床，陶器，镟床 | |
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146
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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147
bellows
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| n.风箱；发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的名词复数 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫v.发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的第三人称单数 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫 | |
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148
anvil
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| n.铁钻 | |
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149
oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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150
unpacked
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|
| v.从（包裹等）中取出（所装的东西），打开行李取出( unpack的过去式和过去分词 )；拆包；解除…的负担；吐露（心事等） | |
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151
assortment
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|
| n.分类，各色俱备之物，聚集 | |
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152
astronomical
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|
| adj.天文学的，（数字）极大的 | |
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153
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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154
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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155
scraps
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| 油渣 | |
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156
propounding
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|
| v.提出（问题、计划等）供考虑[讨论]，提议( propound的现在分词 ) | |
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157
riddles
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|
| n.谜（语）( riddle的名词复数 )；猜不透的难题，难解之谜 | |
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158
considerably
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|
| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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159
chronometer
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| n.精密的计时器 | |
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160
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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161
strutting
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| 加固，支撑物 | |
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162
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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163
imprisonment
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|
| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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164
yoke
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| n.轭；支配；v.给...上轭，连接，使成配偶 | |
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165
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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166
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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167
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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168
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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169
flamingo
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| n.红鹳，火烈鸟 | |
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170
upwards
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|
| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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171
conjecture
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|
| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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172
surmises
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|
| v.臆测，推断( surmise的第三人称单数 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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173
stranded
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| a.搁浅的，进退两难的 | |
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174
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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175
frightful
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|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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176
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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177
implements
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| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
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178
solitary
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|
| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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179
shipwreck
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|
| n.船舶失事，海难 | |
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180
inured
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|
| adj.坚强的，习惯的 | |
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181
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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182
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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183
beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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184
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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185
bartering
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| v.作物物交换，以货换货( barter的现在分词 ) | |
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186
shrub
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| n.灌木，灌木丛 | |
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187
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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188
Mediterranean
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|
| adj.地中海的；地中海沿岸的 | |
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189
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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190
apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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191
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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192
incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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193
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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194
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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195
stipulating
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| v.（尤指在协议或建议中）规定，约定，讲明（条件等）( stipulate的现在分词 )；规定，明确要求 | |
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196
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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197
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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198
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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199
velvety
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| adj. 像天鹅绒的, 轻软光滑的, 柔软的 | |
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200
jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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201
remarkable
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|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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202
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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203
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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204
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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205
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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206
atmospheric
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| adj.大气的，空气的；大气层的；大气所引起的 | |
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207
shrimps
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| n.虾，小虾( shrimp的名词复数 )；矮小的人 | |
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208
lobsters
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| 龙虾( lobster的名词复数 )； 龙虾肉 | |
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209
engulfs
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| v.吞没，包住( engulf的第三人称单数 ) | |
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210
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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211
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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212
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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213
vapor
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| n.蒸汽，雾气 | |
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214
slabs
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| n.厚板，平板，厚片( slab的名词复数 )；厚胶片 | |
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215
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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216
croaks
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| v.呱呱地叫( croak的第三人称单数 )；用粗的声音说 | |
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217
voracity
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| n.贪食，贪婪 | |
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218
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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219
morsels
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| n.一口( morsel的名词复数 )；（尤指食物）小块，碎屑 | |
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220
durable
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| adj.持久的，耐久的 | |
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221
baleen
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| n.鲸须 | |
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222
embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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223
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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224
dice
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| n.骰子；vt.把（食物）切成小方块，冒险 | |
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225
palatable
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| adj.可口的，美味的；惬意的 | |
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226
cleanse
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| vt.使清洁，使纯洁，清洗 | |
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227
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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228
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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intestines
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| n.肠( intestine的名词复数 ) | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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231
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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232
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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233
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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234
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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