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DRAWN BY A TURTLE 125 |
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which no doubt he meant to sell to the rich planters of Port Jackson, or give to the savages. In the collection were several gold and silver watches, buckles, shirt-buttons, necklaces, rings, as wrell as coin. I chose the two watches— already promised—and took a purseful of coin as a toy for Francis; but it amused me to consider of how little value these things were in our present position. The discovery that delighted me most was a chest containing some dozens of young plants of every species of European fruits, which had been carefully packed in moss for transportation. I found pear, plum, almond, peach, apple, apricot, chestnut trees, and vine shoots. In another place were bars of iron, and large pigs of lead, grinding-stones, cart-wheels ready for mounting, a complete set of farrier's instruments, tongs, shovels, ploughshares, rolls of iron and copper wire, sacks full of maize, peas, oats, vetches, and even a little hand-mill. The ship had been freighted with everything likely to be useful in a distant colony. We found a saw-mill, in separate parts, but each piece numbered, and so accurately fitted that it would be quite easy to put it together for use.
I had now to consider which of all these treasures I should take or leave. It was impossible to carry |
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