Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-02-04

hills or darted across the slopes in herds,
while some solitary ones stood Mt the
extreme edge of the precipice and looked
over. We now sailed past the huge
cliffs, and gazed up TO them with aston.
ishment. Below them the waves of the
ocean foamed and roared, then broke
with sound like thunder. ,-4I
Sailing round the northern point of
the rocky coast, we came in sight Of
Cumberland bay. The change from the
good aud solemn to the pleasing and
cheerful was surprising. Before us lay
little rounded cove with q fat shore,
while lovely valley, branching out into
several smaller side valleys, opened up
inland. This is the largest in the island,
and here, not far from the sea, is the
| little settlement.
While our ship cruised about near the
shore, and several of our boats were
sent out fishing, we sailed into the bay.
be drawn up on the dry land, at which
work we were assisted by some of the
islanders who had hastened up. Their
appearance showed that they seldom
came in contact with the blessings of
civilization. Women and children had
very unwa shed appearance. Great
was their admiration Of the beautiful
lady, our Captains wife, who had ac-
companied US, and who, with her rosy
| face and white dress, must have APP
peared to the younger generation like
some good fairy-at all events the chill
dren closely followed her footsteps.
The buildings of the settlers looked
very old and dilapidated. There we're
hands enough to repair them, but no.
body appeared to think it necessary to
do so, although the least storm might
make walls and roof really dangerous.
Their boats are better cared for as a
sort of harbor had been found for them.
Not far from this stood few poplar
trees and thick grove of myrtles.
Beautiful cherry and peach trees grew
near it. Very little land had been cul-
tivated; on it, however, potatoes, cab
bages carrots, maize and melons grew
in great luxurisnce. The attempt at
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 protect them from the pigs, which
seemed to be on friendly terms with the
children. a few dogs and hens were
close by, and we were greeted by several
goats. | saw no oxen, and forgot to in
quire whether there were any on the
island On the slopes half-wild horses
and asses were grazing. Wild goats
might be seen here and there on the
nights. high IN the blue SKY ABOVE
them several birds OF prey we're clrcllng
in the air, wild pigeons sWarmed around,
as well as sea birds OF various kinds and
sizes.
On hill behind the settlement we
discovered the remains oil fortlheatlon
whose battery must have completely
commanded the bay. Several old rusty
cannons lay buried here and there,
while the graves OF the former convicts
are the only historical remains on the
Island.
Before landing we had perceived some
caves on the slopes, which we naturally
took for the former residence OF Selklrkr
but we had deceived ourselves, for they
were the simple cellars 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 OPP
posite to st. Clara; the other to the west
OF Cumberland bay, IN little valley,
beside 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.
After a pleasant voyage in the shade
of the dark cliffs, and passing By many
green rayines, we reached a small, mar
row valley among the mountains. We
landed and fastened to the cave, which
was not far off. 1t appeared dry and
inhabitable, in its form reminding us of
a 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
Robinson's residence here we found no
trace.
The neighborhood was marvellously
beautiful. Grass, herbs, many colored
flowers, and thick bushes grew every
where; a little babbling brook flowed
from out a wooded glen and rippled
1. l.. kl,o ooo bab,pJ No