our hands in this wonderful island, - lemonade ready bottled in
nuts, and loaf-bread growing on the trees!"

Peterkin, as usual, was jesting; nevertheless, it is a curious fact
that he spoke almost the literal truth. "Moreover," continued
Jack, "the bread-fruit tree affords a capital gum, which serves the
natives for pitching their canoes; the bark of the young branches
is made by them into cloth; and of the wood, which is durable and
of a good colour, they build their houses. So you see, lads, that
we have no lack of material here to make us comfortable, if we are
only clever enough to use it."

"But are you sure that that's it?" asked Peterkin.

"Quite sure," replied Jack; "for I was particularly interested in
the account I once read of it, and I remember the description well.
I am sorry, however, that I have forgotten the descriptions of many
other trees which I am sure we have seen to-day, if we could but
recognise them. So you see, Peterkin, I'm not up to everything
yet."

"Never mind, Jack," said Peterkin, with a grave, patronizing
expression of countenance, patting his tall companion on the
shoulder, - "never mind, Jack; you know a good deal for your age.
You're a clever boy, sir, - a promising young man; and if you only
go on as you have begun, sir, you will - "

The end of this speech was suddenly cut short by Jack tripping up
Peterkin's heels and tumbling him into a mass of thick shrubs,
where, finding himself comfortable, he lay still basking in the