ay discover the
treasures hidden beneath the soil, and which we can at all times obtain;
whereas the birds may fly away, and the beasts, if any exist besides
seals, may not always be found."

The explorers soon began to climb the steep sides of a mountain which
rose beyond the harbour. "Why, surely this country must be inhabited,"
exclaimed Willy, as they got into a pathway which led up the mountain.

"It is very evident that such is the case, but we have already made
acquaintance with the inhabitants," said the doctor. "This is a
seals'-track; and, see, there are others leading up from the water. The
creatures are fond of travelling inland, though I should not have
supposed they would have made their way up the mountains."

They followed the track for a considerable distance, and still it
continued, till they calculated that they were at least four miles from
the shore. They were struck by the evergreen appearance of the trees
and the herbage generally. Some of the trees were in blossom.

"Here, here," cried Willy. "Look at these red berries. They seem quite
ripe, and I saw several birds perched on the tree eating them."

The doctor hastened up, and nibbled one of the berries in a cautious
manner, to ascertain its nature.

"Ah, yes, a subacid flavour; they are wholesome, I should think. Peter,
just eat a handful, and we will judge whether or not they are
poisonous."

"But suppose they prove the latter?" asked Peter.

"Why, then you will have the honour of suffering for the benefit of
science," answered the doctor, laughing. "But you need not be alarmed;
I will set you an example."

The doctor tasted another berry. Peter then ate nearly a handful,
acknowledging that, though the flavour was pleasant, they were very
acid.

"We will mark the spot," said the doctor, "and on our way back carry a
load down to Mrs Rumbelow to preserve."

"But where is the sugar to come from, doctor?" asked Willy; "we have but
a small stock remaining."

"Perhaps we may find some on our journey," said the doctor. "Numerous
roots possess saccharine qualities, and from the flavour of one I dug up
just now I have hopes that we may manufacture sugar from it. At all
events, it will form a valuable addition to our daily fare. What do you
think of this?" The doctor produced a good-sized root, which resembled,
on being cut open, something between a potato and a turnip, but of
rather a drier character than either. "This will