t off; with a large portion of the haunch, at a single blow of the
axe. "Now the other--that's it." And having thus cut off the two hind
legs, he made several deep gashes in them, thrust a sharp-pointed stick
through each, and stuck them up before the blaze to roast. The
wood-pigeon was then split open, quite flat, washed clean in salt water,
and treated in a similar manner. While these were cooking we scraped a
hole in the sand and ashes under the fire, into which we put our
vegetables and covered them up.

The taro-root was of an oval shape, about ten inches long and four or
five thick. It was of a mottled-grey colour, and had a thick rind. We
found it somewhat like an Irish potato, and exceedingly good. The yam
was roundish, and had a rough brown skin. It was very sweet and well
flavoured. The potato, we were surprised to find, was quite sweet and
exceedingly palatable, as also were the plums--and, indeed, the pork and
pigeon too--when we came to taste them. Altogether, this was decidedly
the most luxurious supper we had enjoyed for many a day. Jack said it
was out-of-sight better than we ever got on board ship; and Peterkin
said he feared that if we should remain long on the island he would
infallibly become a glutton or an epicure, whereat Jack remarked that he
need not fear that, for he was both already! And so, having eaten our
fill, not forgetting to finish off with a plum, we laid ourselves
comfortably down to sleep, upon a couch of branches, under the
overhanging ledge of a coral rock.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

EFFECTS OF OVEREATING, AND REFLECTIONS THEREON--HUMBLE ADVICE REGARDING
COLD WATER--THE "HORRIBLE CRY" ACCOUNTED FOR--THE CURIOUS BIRDS CALLED
PENGUINS--PECULIARITY OF THE COCOA-NUT PALM--QUESTIONS ON THE FORMATION
OF CORAL ISLANDS--MYSTERIOUS FOOTSTEPS--STRANGE DISCOVERIES AND SAD
SIGHTS.

When we awoke on the following morning we found that the sun was already
a good way above the horizon, so I came to the conclusion that a heavy
supper is not conducive to early rising. Never-the-less, we felt
remarkably strong and well, and much disposed to have our breakfast.
First, however, we had our customary morning bathe, which refreshed us
greatly.

I have often wondered very much in after years that the inhabitants of
my own dear land did not make more frequent use of this most charming
element, water--I mean in the way of cold bathing. Of course, I have
perceived that it is not convenient for