n twenty days on shore
that the survivors began to recover.

Anson, who had brought a number of seeds and fruit-stones, at once had
them planted for the benefit of those who might afterwards visit the
spot. Anson's people found the island still abounding with goats, and
among the first killed was one which had its ears slit, by which they
concluded that it was one of those which Alexander Selkirk had captured
no less than thirty-two years before their arrival. It was indeed an
animal of majestic appearance, dignified with a venerable beard and many
other signs of antiquity.

Several others, also marked, were met with, they all having long beards
and other characteristics of extreme age. The goats had no longer the
island to themselves; for dogs had been landed which had increased so
greatly that they disputed the territory with the former occupants,
hunting together in packs. A curious spectacle was witnessed when one
of these packs made chase after a herd of goats which escaped to the
mountains. Here the active animals took refuge on a ridge which was
accessible only by a narrow path, skirted on each side with precipices.
On the top of the path a long-bearded he-goat posted himself fronting
the enemy. The dogs, which had pursued eagerly, got up to about twenty
yards from him, when, seeing his determined attitude, they dared
approach no nearer, and laid themselves down, panting, well knowing that
he would hurl them down the precipice, should they venture to attack
him. The dogs, it was suspected, lived entirely on seals' flesh, for
several which were killed and eaten had a fishy taste. As the goats,
taking refuge in the more inaccessible parts of the country, could with
difficulty be killed, the crews subsisted on the flesh of the young
seals, which they called veal, and on that of the sea-lions, which was
denominated beef. Large numbers of fish were also caught with lines.

The _Trial_ sloop having so quickly joined the _Centurion_, it was hoped
that the rest of the squadron would appear; but a fortnight passed, and
none being seen, the worst was feared as to their fate. On the 21st of
June, however, a ship was perceived to leeward of the island, but she
disappeared. It was not until the 26th that a sail was again seen; it
was found to be the _Gloucester_, and a boat was immediately sent off
laden with fresh water, fish, and vegetables. This seasonable supply
saved the lives of the survivors on board her.