The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1874-02-12

I
\ dress. uInst have appeared to the
young generation Ike some good
fairy--at All events, the children close
ly followed her footsteps.
Tie buildings of the settlers looked
very old end dilapidated. There
were hands enough to repair them,
but nobody seemed to thiUk it neces.
sary to do so, although the least storm
might make walls and roof alike dan
gerous. Their boats arc better cared
for, as sort of harbor has been found
4 for them.
Not far from this stood few pop
lar trees, and a thick grove of myFtlesl
Beautiful cherry and peach trees grew
near it. Very little land had been
cultivated ON it, however, potatoes,
cabbages, carrots, maize, and melons
grew In great abundance. The at
tempt at 3 flower garden proved that
even these people felt the need of the
beautiful to cheer their lives near their
homes. The fields were carefully
fenced in, probably to proteet them
fronl.the pigs, which seemed 10 be on
friendly terms with the children. "A
few dogs and hens were close by. and
we were greeted by several goats.
I SAW AO OACuf 0u+A III ~. - AA4@d MA 2
i whether any were kept on tbs Island.
ORtlIe slopes half-WiId horses and
asses were grazing. Wild goats
might be seen here and there on the
heights High in the blue sky above
cling in the air, wild pigeons swarm
ed around, as well as sea-birds OF
various kinds and sizes.
/ n, h;li hahSr.l tho caftlornAn& V7o
discovered the remains of a fortifica-
ton whose battery must have COM
pletely commanded the bay. Several
old rusty cannon lay buried here and
there, while the graves of former con.
victs are the only historical remains
on the island.
Before landing we had perceived
some caves on the slopes, which we
naturally took for the residence Of
SeIkirk, but we had deceived our
selves, for they were the simple cell
lars of the settlers. These told us,
however, that there were two caves
in which Robinson had lived one on
the south side of the island, opposite
to st Clara, the other to the west Of
Cumberland Bay, in little valley, be-
side bay called the English Bay
The distance to the latter was not far
by water, and we determined to visit
the spot in our boat. ss.-.-.'. -. =. - &
After q pleasant voyage IN the
shade of the dark cliffs, aud passing
by many green ravines, we reached
small, narrow valley among the noun
tains. We landed and hastened to the
cave. which was not Tar on. IL ap-
peared dry aud inhabitabie, IN ITS
form reminding Us of bakers oven,
about twelve feet high, fifteen deep,
and twenty broad at its entrance. On
the walls, which were covered with
the inscriptions of former visitors.
cabinets were hanging but of Robin
sons residence here We found no
trace.
The neighbnrhood was marvellous
~ beautiful. Grass, herds, many coll
ored flowers, and thick bushes grew
every where a little babbling brook
flowed from out woodei glen and
rippled through the whole length of
the valley. Before us lay the blue
sea, behind US stood the mountains
and steep precipices, which, with their
green adornment, gave to the whole
a charming air of solitude and retire.
msnt. The roaring of the oeean,
which only reached us with 9 dull,
and heavy sound and mingled with
the murmuring of brooks, did not
disturb the solemn stiffness. Not
even the cry of bird was to be heard
And here in the solitude had q poor
abandoned man lenged during many
months and years for the sweet sound
of a human voice.
The climate of the island is pleas
ant and healthy, water is plentiful
everywhere, and showers of rain tall
almost every morning. The myrtle
grows freely, and forms dense thick
cts various kinds of fruit aboud, es-
pecially delicious awberries. Snakes
aud poisonous reptiles are unknown,
and the only beasts of prey are wild
cats, who keep up among the noun
tains, but according to the description
given of them, they must be almost
as Urge as panthers.