The Mysterious Island Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Captain Grant's Children

Chapter 144 The Mysterious Island (29)
The next task is to get the airbag, and everyone is anxious to move it to a place that is absolutely safe.But if you want to transfer the airbag, you have to pull the car all the way to the "Balloon Harbor". Therefore, you must open a road through the Far West Forest, which also takes a certain amount of time.To this end, Neb and Pencroft planned to conduct a survey of the port first. When they saw that the airbags stored in the cave were still safe and sound, they decided to continue the projects related to "Prospect Heights" without stopping.

Pencroft reminded: "In this way we can take advantage of these conditions to establish poultry farms, and we will no longer have to worry about the invasion of foxes, and we don't have to worry about the invasion of other beasts."

Nab added: "Also, we can clear the land and grow wild plants..."

The sailor shouted proudly: "We will cultivate our second wheat field!"

Indeed, under Pencroft's meticulous care, the wheat field with the only seed was growing vigorously.Sure enough, as expected by the engineer, the seed produced ten ears of wheat, and each ear harvested [-] grains of wheat, so in half a year, everyone had [-] grains of wheat, and it was possible to harvest twice a year.For the sake of caution, everyone selected fifty grains from the eight hundred grains as spares, and the rest will be sown in another wheat field and continue to be carefully cared for.

After clearing the wheat field, everyone built a tall, sharp and strong fence around it.In this way, it is very difficult for animals to cross.For the birds, we also have a solution, making a spinning windmill and a scary dummies.The harsh sound of the windmill and the terrifying appearance of the dummies will drive the birds away.These were the clever tricks of Pencroft's mind.The 750 grains of wheat were sown in this small, regular border, and the weather will depend on nature in the future.

On the 11th of November, Cyrus Harding began to consider how to dig the ditch which encloses Prospect Heights on the west.The ditch is to run from the south corner of "Grant Lake" to the corner of the "Grateful River".The humus soil in this place is less than three feet, and the hard granite is just below.So everyone made nitroglycerin according to the old method, and nitroglycerin lived up to expectations, and once again achieved our goal with its power.A trench twelve feet wide and six feet deep was dug in the granite ground of Prospect Heights in less than half a month.On the rocky shore of the lake, this method is still used, and a drainage ditch is opened to guide the lake water into the new river bed, thus forming a new water flow and becoming a tributary of the "Grateful River", which is called "glycerin". canal".As the engineer had expected, the level of the lake lowered slightly, but it was hardly noticeable because of the abundance of water.Finally, in order to completely surround "Prospect Heights", the river bed of the creek on the beach was greatly widened, and two fences were used to block the sand.

As the first half of December passed, these works were at last completed, and the irregular pentagon, Prospect Heights, about four nautical miles on a side, was at last surrounded by a strip of water, so that no animal could will not be violated.

In December, the weather was hot and sweltering.But everyone is unwilling to stop the work at hand.At this time, building a poultry farm was an urgent task, so they set about building it.

Needless to say, when Prospect Heights was completely closed, Master Jupp was also completely free.But it didn't have any sense of wanting to run away, and it no longer wanted to leave its masters.It is very docile, yet extremely flexible and extremely strong.what!Especially when it comes to climbing the ladder of "Granite Palace", no one can match it.It has been able to do some things according to everyone's arrangement, such as pulling stones. Those stones were all dug out from the river bed of Gan Gan Canal.carts to transport the wood away.

Hubbert jokingly said: "It's not a mason yet, but it's okay to call it a monkey!" The nickname "monkey" was originally used by masons to call their apprentices.It can be said that this nickname is more appropriate.

The poultry farm is located on a piece of open land on the southeast bank of the lake, about [-] square yards.They weaved a fence around it and built various simple houses on it for birds and animals to live in.These houses are actually shacks built with some branches.Everyone also divided these shacks into many small rooms, just waiting for the birds to come and live in them.

One pair was the first occupants of the feedlot, and they quickly produced many smaller ones.They are accompanied by more than half a dozen ducks, which usually inhabit the lakeside.Among them were several ducks of the Chinese breed, which, when they spread their fan-shaped wings, were more beautiful than the golden pheasant in their brilliant color and dazzling brilliance.A few days later, Hubbert caught another pair of pheasants. Their round tails and long arrow feathers made them look very imposing.The pair of pheasants were then domesticated.There are also some kingfishers, pelicans, black water chickens, etc., which are all uninvited.Now this small group is very lively every day, with giggling, cooing, and chirping noises.They get along very well, and reproduce according to their own natural laws, and they will continue to be eaten by everyone in the future.

Cyrus Harding extended his exploits further by constructing a pigeon coop in a corner of the poultry-yard.A dozen pigeons moved in, and soon they developed a good habit of traveling day and night. During the day, they were active on the top of the rock of "Looking Heights", and at night they returned to their residences to rest.

Finally it was time to make clothes out of that airbag.This airbag also has this function, even if it is preserved intact, it can no longer be used to fly across the endless ocean.Because the risk is too great, only those who have nothing and don't value life will be blindly impulsive, but a practical person like Cyrus Harding would not think so, let alone do it.

So, everyone was busy transporting the airbag back to the "Granite Palace".First improve their heavy and heavy delivery truck to be more flexible and easy to drive.Although the car is there, it still lacks the power to pull the car!Why are there no ruminants found on the island that could replace horses, donkeys or cows?This is a question worth thinking about.

"At present," said Pencroft, "we are in great need of a cart-horse, which will serve us well. Of course Mr. Cyrus will think of building a steam-car, or a locomotive. Yes, we will, and we will. The 'Granite Palace' to 'Balloon Harbor' railway, and there is a branch line on 'Franklin Peak', but those are things for the future, and we still need animals to help us pull the carts."

The honest and honest sailor said this because he trusted Mr. Cyrus and believed that his words would come true! "Ah!" the sailor couldn't help sighing.How attractive is the imagination when it is accompanied by firm belief!

Practically speaking, however, what Pencroft wanted to do, all he needed was an animal capable of pulling a cart, and he was very fortunate that it did not take him long to achieve his wish.

On that day, December 12rd, there came suddenly urgent cries and shouts from Neb and Top.The partners who were busy in the "chimney" ran quickly, lest something unfortunate happen.

When they got there, what did they see?Two tall and mighty animals appeared before their eyes.Because the bridge was not hoisted, they rushed to Prospect Heights recklessly.It looks like two horses, or two donkeys, a male and a female, with a light chestnut back, white legs and tail, and black markings on the head, neck and torso.From the appearance point of view, very flattering.They walked slowly, with poise and grace, and looked at these people with gentle eyes.They haven't realized that these people are their future masters.

Hubbert recognized it and exclaimed happily: "This is a wild ass between a quagga and a zebra!"

Neb asked, "Why not a donkey?"

"Because their shape is more handsome than donkeys, and their ears are not long!"

Pencroft retorted: "Whether it is a donkey or a horse, anyway, it can act as the 'power' for pulling the cart as Mr. Smith said. Such an animal must be caught!"

While being careful not to disturb the two animals, the sailor sneaked into the grass again, quietly walked to the small bridge over the Glycerin Canal, detoured around the bridge, and captured the two wild donkeys with ease.

Now, is it necessary to use force to subdue them and force them to serve you?Obviously, this approach is not advisable.The best way is to let them live freely on "Looking Heights" for a few days and enjoy the fresh green grass of this island.Then, the engineer arranged for his partners to build a barn next to the poultry farm, and spread soft hay, so that the two wild donkeys could spend the night on the island.

So the pair of beautiful animals played happily on this island, and everyone stayed away from them in order not to frighten them.However, they probably got used to the open and deep space of the forest, and felt the oppressiveness of this narrow island.There were several times when the wild asses seemed to have the idea of ​​leaving Prospect Heights, and they could be seen walking anxiously up and down the river.That was an unbridgeable gap.You can still hear their screams because of impatience, and see them running anxiously in the grass.

When they stopped shouting and running, they would just stand there blankly for hours, staring at the endless forest and the tall and straight trees where they used to live for a long time!
During this time, saddle bridles and driving harnesses have been made from vegetable fibers.The cart was ready for harnessing the cattle.At the same time, the straight road, or rather a porthole, required from the corner of the "Grateful River" to the "Balloon Harbor" through the Far West Forest was also successfully opened.The cart can pass.

At the end of December, the two wild asses made their first trial.

Pencroft had made friends with the two animals.He held out his hand for the food, and the two animals willingly came to eat it.And they are not so nervous when facing people, and people can easily approach them.Even so, as soon as they were harnessed to the car, they immediately stood upright and neighed in a state that was difficult to control.However, because wild donkeys are not as stubborn as zebras.In the mountains of North Africa, they are often used for driving, and even relatively cold European regions use them for driving.Therefore, they quickly adapted to this kind of labor.

That day, they headed for "Balloon Harbor".All but Pencroft got into the cart.Pencroft walked in front, leading the animals.Needless to say, everyone will also think that when driving on this road that can barely be called a road, everyone sits in the car and bumps up and down like sifting chaff, but the car still successfully arrives.On that day, the immigrants returned immediately after installing the airbags and various rigging.

At eight o'clock in the evening, the car crossed the bridge on the "Grateful River" again, then went down the left bank of the river and stopped on the beach.Unhack the two donkeys and lead them back to the barn.Satisfied now, Pencroft uttered a sigh of satisfaction before falling asleep.This sigh echoed in the "Granite Palace" for a long, long time.

Master Zhu Pu
The whole time of the first week in January is almost devoted to sewing the necessary clothes for everyone.The needle was provided by the box found on the shore. Although the fingers for sewing clothes are clumsy, they are also very strong, so it can be concluded that the clothes sewn are strong and durable.

Thanks to the good idea of ​​Cyrus Harding, the number of stitches was plentiful.He suggested that the thread used to sew the balloon be removed and reused.So Jardine Splane and Hubbert went to the end to remove all the stitches.Pencroft, for lack of patience, was obliged to give up halfway; but in sewing, no one could match him, and he sewed with flying needle and thread, and sewed skilfully.In fact, everyone knows that anyone who has been a sailor has excellent sewing skills.

After such a long time of drifting, the airbag cloth has become very dirty.So, we use potash and soda to remove stains.Soda and potash are obtained by burning plants.After being washed in this way, the cotton cloth becomes soft and comfortable again, and then, after being exposed to the sun and decolorized, it returns to its pure white color.

They made some shirts and socks out of this pure white cotton, and the socks, of course, were sewn from cloth, not woven from cotton thread.so.Everyone finally put on clean white clothes and white socks.They couldn't be happier!Although the clothes are not exquisite, even very rough, but they don't care about these insignificant details at all.They also made sheets and covers, which were put on the beds, so that the beds at Granite House were as pretty and comfortable as real beds.The entire "Granite Palace" has a new look as a result.

At the same time, they made shoes from seal skins, and immediately replaced the worn-out boots and shoes from America.Judging from their joy in walking, these new shoes fit loosely and are much more comfortable than the old shoes!

The year 1866 came, and with it came the persistently hot weather.Despite the hot weather, everyone did not stop hunting in the woods.Capybaras, agouti, kangaroos, cockroaches, beasts and birds are too many attractive wild game, and Jardin Splane and Hubbert have perfect marksmanship, so it is a pity not to hunt.

From time to time Cyrus Harding would order them to save ammunition for the long run.He also tried to find other things to replace the buckshot and gunpowder, which was also found in the box.He has to think about the future.No one knows what will happen in the future, will they leave here?Or some chance event, which could not have been foreseen, would take them to another place?Therefore, it is necessary to plan for the unknown future, replace it with other items that are easy to replenish, and save ammunition as much as possible.

Since Cyrus Harding had not found any trace of lead on the island, what was to be used in place of lead?He used iron nuggets, which are harmless and easy to make.However, the iron pellets are lighter than the lead bullets, so it is easy to handle, just make the iron pellets larger.Although they had to install less each time, the hunters quickly made up for this shortcoming by relying on their wit and flexibility.

As for gunpowder, it was not impossible for Cyrus Harding to make it.He has saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, but making gunpowder is dangerous and requires a lot of patience and care. In addition, there is no special equipment at present, so it is not easy to manufacture high-quality gunpowder.

So Cyrus Harding decided to make gun cotton.Cotton is usually used to make gun cotton, but it doesn't have to be.In fact, only the cellulose in the cotton is used.And cellulose is only the basic tissue of plants, not only in cotton, but also in paper, old clothes, textile fibers of flax and hemp, and in the medulla of elderberry, so it is not difficult to obtain it.And on this island near the mouth of the "Red River" there happens to be a great deal of elderberry growing.Elderberry belongs to the honeysuckle family, and its berries have been used as coffee beans.

So a lot of cellulose is collected through the elderberry.But another substance is needed to make gun cotton, which is fuming nitric acid.This is not difficult. Cyrus Smith still had a certain amount of sulfuric acid. He used nature to give saltpeter and sulfuric acid a chemical reaction, and he easily produced nitric acid.So gun cotton can be made.They also knew that gun cotton had great shortcomings and inconsistent effects.This is because its ignition point is 170 degrees instead of 240 degrees, so it is extremely flammable and prone to deflagration, resulting in the destruction of the firearm.But it is also beneficial from another aspect, it is not easy to be affected by moisture and deteriorate, the barrel will not be blocked by it, and its propulsion force is four times higher than that of ordinary gunpowder.

The process of making gun cotton is extremely simple. After soaking cellulose in fuming nitric acid for a quarter of an hour, rinse it with plenty of water and dry it to get gun cotton.

The only thing Cyrus Smith could use was ordinary nitric acid, there was no monohydrated nitric acid or fuming nitric acid, which would not release white mist when it met humid air.However, adding concentrated sulfuric acid in a ratio of three to five to ordinary nitric acid can also produce this phenomenon, and engineers have also obtained such results through experiments.Therefore, the hunters on the island quickly used this excellent substance, and everyone applied it carefully, and achieved satisfactory results.

While the fire cotton was being worked out, the three acres of land at Prospect Heights were cleared, and the other land was used as pasture for wild asses.During the period, they also traveled a few times to the Far West Forest and Central and South America Forest to collect many wild plants, including spinach, horseradish, watercress, radish, etc., and brought them back and planted them artificially.Their fruits have improved our diet and provided us with more balanced nutrition.They went out several times and brought back a lot of coal and wood.In fact, every time I go out, there are other gains, and at the same time, the road conditions are improved because the road surface has become much stronger and smoother after being rolled by the wheels.

(End of this chapter)