21. A few days ashore

I vividly impressed landfall.
Ned Land stepped on the soil as an act of possession. No more than two months,
But we were, in the words of Captain Nemo's 'Nautilus passengers'
that is, in reality, prisoners of its commander.
Within minutes we were a gunshot from the coast. The floor was almost entirely
madreporic, but some beds of streams dried, granfticos littered with debris,
de-island showed that it was due to a primary formation.
A curtain hid the horizon beautiful forests. Huge trees, some of the
which they reached doscien-tos feet, joined together by garlands of lia-nas,
real natural hammocks that swayed in the breeze. Mimosas, ficus, casuarinas, teks,
hibiscus, screw pines and pal-mer mixed profusely, and the protection of its Bove-das
green, at the bottom of their stems, growing orchids and ferns legumino-sas.
Regardless of as beautiful examples of papuasiana flora, the Canadian abandoned him
orlío nice helpful, co-cotero alver. He quickly struck and some fruit, and opened them
then we drank their milk and almond Comim s his satisfaction that seemed
express a protest against the die-ta of the Nautilus.
? Excellent! ? Always thought Ned Land.
? Delicious! ? He replied Conseil.
? Hope? Said Canadian? Captain Nemo does not object to introduce a
board a load of coconuts.
? I do not think so? I replied ?, but I doubt want to try.
? Too bad for him? Conseil said.
The better for us? He added Ned Land ?, well to-caremos more.
? Ned? Told the harpooner, who was preparing to empty another co-cotero ?, coconuts are very
good, but before filling the pot, I think it would be wise to see if the island produces something
not less useful. I think the pantry of the Nautilus would welcome fresh vegetables liking.
? You are right, sir? Conseil said, and I propose we book in the canoe three
spaces: one for fruit, one for vegetables and one for hunting, which not
I've seen yet even the smallest sample.
? Conseil, not despair? Replied the Cana-dian.
? Continue, then, our tour? I said ?, but with an eye on the prowl. Oddly
uninhabited, it could house the island some less scrupulous individuals
us about the nature of the game.
? Hey! Eh! ? Exclaimed Ned Land, making a significant movement of jaws.
? But, Ned! ? Said Conseil.
? Well, you know what I mean? I begin to understand the charms of cannibalism.
? But what does it say, Ned! ? Said Conseil ?. You anthropo-phage! I can no longer feel
safe at his side, sleeping in the same cabin. Did I wake up a half-eaten day?
? Friend Conseil, I love you, but not enough to eat it without.
I do not know, do not trust me? Conseil said ?. Hala, to hunt! I-nester is charged a piece like
that is, to satisfy this Cani-bal; if not, one of these mornings, the man did not find more than
Household few pieces to serve.
As well they were joking, we enter the forest spe-sura, that for two
hours, we walked in to-two ways.
Chance proved conducive to our pursuit of vege-such edible. One of the most
useful products from the tropics provided us with precious food, which
We lacked on board. He spoke of breadfruit, very abundant on the island of Gueboroa that
provided that devoid seed variety known in Malay with the name of
rhyme. This tree the other is distinguished by its straight trunk, a height of about
forty feet. Its summit, gracefully rounded and formed big ho-jas
multilobulated clearly denounced the eyes of a naturalist that artocarpus how
happily-do has acclimated in the Mascarene Islands. Among the mass of greenery Desta-caban
thick globular fruits, a decimeter width having outer ridges
They are taking a hexagonal arrangement. Useful plant east-leza that nature has
gratified to regions without wheat, and without requiring any culture pays off
for eight months a year.
Ned Land knew that fruit, for having eaten du-ing his travels, and
He knew how to prepare his co-edible substance. The sight of it excited his appetite, without power
restrain said:
Lord, if I do not prove this paste breadfruit, I die.
? Go ahead, Ned, as desired. You here is to experiment. Make them.
? It will not take long? Replied the Canadian.
And it provided with a magnifying glass, lit a fire with dry branches crackled
cheerfully. Meanwhile, Con-Conseil and we chose the best fruits of artocarpus.
Som-we had not yet reached a sufficient degree of madu-rez and thick skin
overlying a white but slightly fibrous pulp. Others, in very large numbers, yellow and
gelatinous and were asking to be caught.
The fruits contained no bone. Conseil brought a dozen of them to Ned Land, who the
He set it on the coals after having cut them into thick slices.
? You see, sir, how good is this bread? He said.
? Especially when you've been deprived for so long? Conseil said.
? It is more than bread? Added the Canadian ?, is the work of res-Posteria, and delicate. Is not has
you ever eaten?
No, Ned.
? Well get ready to try a delicious thing. If not, I stop being the king of the
harpoon.
After a few minutes, the part of the fruits expues-ta fire was completely
toast. Inside apare-it tio a white paste, like a tender crumb, whose taste
re-Cordaba the artichoke. Admittedly, it was an excellent bread and ate it with great
pleasure.
? Unfortunately? I said this paste can not conser-Varse fresh. It is useless, therefore,
we bring a supply on board.
? Ah, no! ? He exclaimed Ned Land ?. You talk like a na-structuralist, but I'll act
as a baker. Conseil, make you a good collection of fruit, which we will take to
around.
? How will you prepare it, then? I asked.
? Making your dough fermented pulp is retained indefinitely without
rot. When you want to use it, coceré in the kitchen and you will see how, despite his
slightly acid flavor is very rich.
? So, Ned, I see that nothing is missing this bread ...
Yes, professor, missing at least some fruits or vegetables al-gunas.
? Then we look for fruits and vegetables.
After finishing our collection, we set out to complete our
Earth's "lunch".
Waste not turned our quest; noon-we had already done a good collection
bananas. These deli-cious products of the torrid zone ripen throughout the year.
The Malays, which give them the name of Pisang, eat them raw. Besides bananas
collected huge ja-cas, strong fruit flavor, mangos also very tasty and
pineapples extraordi-nary a size.
These tasks took us a long time, but in view of the result did not fit
I regret it.
Conseil did not take his eye on Ned, who led the way and was picking up the pace, with hand
safe, great fruit to complete our supplies.
? Do you need anything, Ned? ? He asked Conseil.
? Hum! ? Canadian growled.
How? How do you complain?
? Of all these plants they did not offer us a meal. They are dessert. But what ?, soup
And the roast?
Is it true? I said ?. Ned promised us a chule-tas, starting to seem
very problematic.
? Say ?, 'said the Canadian has not only ended the hunt, but not yet
started. Let pa-science, we will end up finding some animal or plu-ma
hair, and if it's not here, it will be somewhere else.
? And if not today, then tomorrow? He added Conseil ?, because we must not stray too far. It is
Moreover, I think we should go back to the canoe.
? As soon? ? Ned said.
We must be back before night? I said.
? But what time is it? ? He asked the Canadian.
? At least they are the two? Replied Conseil.
? How time on dry land! Ned Land exclaimed with a sigh of regret.
? In March then? Conseil said.
We retraced our steps and went along the way-we completed our
collection with palm nuts, for which we had to climb to the top of the trees, so
as with this kind of small beans that abrou called bad-yos, and
sweet potatoes of superb quality.
So, we really overloaded the canoe. But Ned Land was not yet
satisfied with the supplies. Luck favored him then, because at the moment
I was going to embark saw several trees, about twenty five to thirty feet high,
belonging to the family of the pal-mas. These trees, as precious as artocarpus,
They are rightly considered one of the most useful pro-ducts Malaysia. They were sagús,
wild plant that re-occur, such as moral, for their offspring and their seeds.
Ned Land knew how to use those trees. Ma-nejando the ax with great vigor,
He shot down two or three sagús, whose maturity denounced the white dust that covered their
palms.
I watched him with eyes more naturalistic than those of a hungry man. Nad
Land plucked out of a layer of bark trunk of an inch thick, well-Jondo
uncovered a network of elongated fibers for-Mabank inextricable knots amazacotados
by a sort of gummy flour. This was the sago starch, which is one of the
staples stocks Mela-sia.
Ned Land was limited in time to cut the logs as if it were leíía leaving
for later extraction-ing starch, which would be separated from his ligament-tos
fibrous facing the sun to vaporize moisture and eventually deposited into molds
to harden.

It was five in the afternoon when we left the ori-Llas of the island, loaded with our
wealth. Half an hour later, we reached the Nautilus. No one witnessed nues-tra arrival.
The huge steel cylinder seemed untenants-do. I loaded our supplies, went to
my camaro-te, where I found the dinner served. After lunch, I slept.
The next day, January 6, safely on board. Not a sound, not a sign of life,
canoe was in the same place where we left off. We decided to return to the island
Gueboroa. Ned Land hoped to have more wealth than the day before, as a hunter, and
He wanted to visit another part of the jungle.
At sunrise, we were going. We reached the island in a few moments.
We landed, and, thinking it best to trust the instincts of Canada, continue
Ned Land, whose long legs threatened to distance too.
Ned Land followed the coast westward. Then, having waded some torrents
we reached a plateau bor-deado magnificent forests. Along the waterways
We saw some kingfishers that did not accept our proximity. His
circumspection proved that volatile aque-Llos know what to expect on bipeds
our species, and it inferred that if the island was not inhabited-da was, at least,
frequented by humans.
After passing through a dense meadow, we reached the edge of a grove lively
the song and flight of large numbers of birds.
? Only birds Conseil said.
? Some are also edible? He replied the harpooner.
? Do not they, friend Ned? Replied Conseil ?, As I see only parrots.
? Conseil, the bird is the pheasant of those who have nothing to eat? Seriously he said
Ned.
? To which I add? I intervened? this bird, conve-niently prepared, you can
worth risking fork.
Amid the foliage of the forest, a world of parrots flying from branch to branch, without further
separation between its Garri-hard and the human tongue than a more careful educa-tion.
For now, garrían accompanied by parrots of all colors, Bass
parrots, which seemed medi-tar a philosophical problem, while a real parrots red
Bright they passed like a piece of yarn carried by the breeze among the hornbills
noisy flight of the barbed-pa, webbed those that are painted with the finest mati-ces
blue, and a whole variety of volatile very beautiful but barely edible.
It lacked this collection, however, pro-pio a bird of these lands to the point
that has never left the limits ARRU Islands and the islands of the Papuans. But
Luck had reserved the possibility to admire me soon. Indeed, after
passing through a grove of leafy little we are in a plain full of
bushes. It was there that I saw take flight to the magnificent birds that
plu available to its long-mas forced to head into the wind. Their undulating flight,
the grace of their aerial spins and reflections shimmering colors attracted and charmed
the sight. I could recognize them easily.
? Birds of Paradise! ? I exclaimed.
? Order passerines, section clistómoros? Replied Conseil.
? Family partridges? ? Ned Land.
? I do not think, Mr. Land, but I count on your expertise to catch one of these
wonderful products of nature-leza tropical.
? I'll try, professor, though I'm more ACOS-tomed to handle the harpoon
rifle.
Malays, who make an active trade in these Bird-ros with the Chinese, will serve to
capture of several me-god that we were forbidden, and consisting either
to hold out a cup ties in high-les Dreamy Tree that these birds often look
his home, either with a tough league which paralyzes their movements. They even
in-venenar sources where these birds go to drink. Our means were
limited to trying to catch them on the fly, with little chance to reach them. Y,
Indeed, in these attempts in vain we spent a good part of our ammunition.
About eleven o'clock in the morning, and reached the foothills of the mountains
form the center of the island, we had not yet managed to collect any parts. The
aguijonearnos began to hunger. We had relied too heavily on hunting and committed
imprudent. But afor-nately, and big surprise for his part, Conseil killed
two birds with one stone and assured lunch. It was a white dove and a wood that,
quickly plucked and strung on a skewer, they were taken to the fire. While
roasting, Ned prepared the bread and the fruit of the roamed-wrist. Pigeons devour up to
bones, encontrán-Dolas excellent. Nutmeg they feed their per-smoking
giving meat a delicious flavor.
? It is as if the chickens are fed truffles? Conseil said.
? And now, Ned, what's missing?
? A piece of fours, Professor Aronnax. These post-mas are just an appetizer
to open mouth. I will not be happy until I have not killed an animal with cutlets.
? Not me, Ned, if I do not catch a bird of paradise.
? Continue, then, the hunt? Conseil intervened, but back and out to sea.
We llegaddo to the first slopes of the mountains and I'd better get back.
It was sound advice, and adopt it.
After an hour's walk we reach a forest verdade-ro sagús. Some
harmless snakes fleeing from time to time as we passed. Birds of paradise we
They are fleeing and had lost all hope, when Conseil, who led the way, leaned
suddenly, he gave a triumphant shout and came to me with a magnificent specimen.
? Ah! Bravo, Conseil! ? I exclaimed enthusiastically.
? Believe me it is not worth of ...
? How not! There is nothing to catch one of these live birds! And with the hand!
? If Mr. examined closely, you can see that I have great merit teni-do.
? Why, Conseil?
? Because this bird is drunk.
? Drunk?
? Yes sir. Drunk with nutmeg was Comien-do in mirística that I have
Found. See, friend Ned, see the terrible effects of intemperance.
? Mil hell! ? Replied the Canadian ?. Look at that face take-me gin I
drunk for two months!
In examining the curious bird Conseil saw no equi-vocaba. The bird of paradise,
intoxicated by it-so espirituo juice was reduced to impotence, unable to fly and
walking ape-nas. But that did not bother me and I let him sleep "the monkey".
Our dam belonged to the eight most beautiful is-known species in Papua and
in the neighboring islands, ie the so-called "large emerald" which is also one of the most
rare. It measured about three decimeters long. His head was re-relatively small and
eyes located near the opening of the peak were also small. All he was
a symphony of colors: yellow beak, brown the pa-tas and nails, siena
wings in his limbs was becoming in purple, straw yellow head and
neck, emerald throat, the brown breast and belly. Feathers,
long, tail light, a fi-groove admirable, enhanced the beauty of this
PA wonderful bird, poetically called by the natives "Sun Bird".
I strongly wanted to bring to Paris this superb specimen of bird of paradise, to
to donate to the Garden of Plants, which has none alive.
? Is it therefore so rare? ? He asked the Canadian, with the tone of the hunter disinclined to
It hunting estimate from an artistic point of view.
? Very strange, yes, and, above all, very difficult to capture him alive. Even dead, these birds
They are the subject of an eat-cio very active. So the Indians have even
manufacture, as is done with pearls and diamonds.
How? ? Conseil said ?. Is it possible to falsify the birds of paradise?
Yes, Conseil.
? And do you know Mr. Indians procedure?
? Yes. During the monsoon del Este, birds of paradise pier-den magnificent feathers that
around its tail, those feathers that naturalists have called underwing. The counterfeit-res
They collect these feathers and skillfully adapted to poor parrot previously
mutilated. Then dye the sutures, varnish the bird and sell it for shipment to
museums and fans in Europe. It is this unique industry.
Well? Said Ned Land ?, if the bird is not authentic if they are their feathers, and as
It is meant to be eaten not look bad.
If my requests were filled with owning bird of paradise, not happening the
Hunter same with cana-dian. But fortunately, about two, Ned Land
he could be charged a magnificent wild pig, a Bari? outang as they call it natural.
He had made its appearance very timely that pork was going to procure authentic
quadruped meat, and was well received. Ned Land was very proud of his shot.
The pig, hit by the electric ball, fell struck.
Canadian cleanly stripped him and emptied his in-entrails and pulled half a dozen
chops-gurarnos aimed at grabbing a good barbecue for dinner. Then conti-nuamos
hunting where Ned and Conseil renew their feats.
Indeed, the two friends were delivered to scour the bushes of which
they built a group of kangaroos jumping out of their spring legs. But his
flight was not as rapid as to prevent elec-tric not stop some bullets
in his career.
? Ah, Professor! ? Exclaimed Ned Land, who exalts-ba fierce hunting ?, what
so excellent meat, especially stewed! What pantry for Nautilusi two ... three ....
cin-co ...! And when I think that all the meat we eat, and those idiots to
board will not try it!
I think if I had not said so much, in his agitation, the Canadian would have exterminated
to everyone. But he just knock down a dozen of these curious marsupials-man for the
aplacentarios first order of mammals, as we say Conseil.
They were of small size, a kind of "kangaroos? Co-rabbit ', usually staying
in the hollow trunks of the trees, and are endowed with great speed
des-displacement. But if they were little, their meat was esti-mable.
We were very pleased with the outcome of the game. The cheerful Ned proposed to return to
day after this enchanted island, which wanted to depopulate all its Fourfold-dos
Grocery. But this was not what he would have to so-brevenir.
At six o'clock we were back in the pla-ya. Our canoe was beached
in its usual place. The Nautilus emerged from the waves, like a long reef, two miles
the coast.
Without delay, Ned Land took care of dinner, with its proven expertise. Chops
bari? outang, put on coals, deliciously scented air ...
But I realize I'm up looking like the Cana-dian. Here I am in ecstasy before
a grilled fresh pork! I hope you will forgive me as I forgive him-do to
Ned Land, and for the same reasons.
The dinner was excellent. Two pigeons completed the extraordinary bill. The
sago starch, bread arto-carpal, a few mangoes, half a dozen pineapples and
some fermented coconut liqueur spirits cheered us to the point that
the ideas of my peers, so it seemed to me, they came to lose some of its strength
Habi-tual.
What if not come back tonight Nautilus? ? Con-Conseil said.
What if we returned not anymore? ? Ned Land added.
He had just finished making its proposal the ar-ponero when a stone fell
our feet.