Make discovery of many excellent roots and fruits - The resources
of the Coral Island gradually unfolded - The banian-tree - Another
tree which is supported by natural planks - Water-fowl found - A
very remarkable discovery, and a very peculiar murder - We
luxuriate on the fat of the land.


OUR examination of the little valley proved to be altogether most
satisfactory. We found in it not only similar trees to those we
had already seen in our own valley, but also one or two others of a
different species. We had also the satisfaction of discovering a
peculiar vegetable, which Jack concluded must certainly be that of
which he had read as being very common among the South Sea
islanders, and which was named TARO. Also we found a large supply
of yams, and another root like a potato in appearance. As these
were all quite new to us, we regarded our lot as a most fortunate
one, in being thus cast on an island which was so prolific and so
well stored with all the necessaries of life. Long afterwards we
found out that this island of ours was no better in these respects
than thousands of other islands in those seas. Indeed, many of
them were much richer and more productive; but that did not render
us the less grateful for our present good fortune. We each put one
of these roots in our pocket, intending to use them for our supper;
of which more hereafter. We also saw many beautiful birds here,
and traces of some four-footed animal again. Meanwhile the sun
began to descend, so we returned to the shore, and pushed on round
the spouting rocks into the next valley. This was that valley of
which I have spoken as running across the entire island. It was by
far the largest and most beautiful that we had yet looked upon.