HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
125 
Isle of France, which will be particularly mentioned hereafter, we saw, an hundred 
times, a pack of hounds swimming after a stag in the sea, and in parts which 
abounded with sharks, without the least interruption; nor did any accident happen 
to us though we continually bathed there. There is every reason to conclude, 
that the sharks of these parts are of a different kind from those which frequent other 
seas; where they are described and known* to be of a most dangerous and ravenous 
nature. 
Their Occupations and Enjoyments. 
“ Our occupations, during our abode in the island, were not, as it may be 
imagined, very important, but it was necessary to do something. The repair of 
our huts, and the cultivation of our gardens, employed one portion of our time, and 
walking engaged another. We often went to the southward of the island, which we 
crossed in all directions; and sometimes made the tour of it; nor is there a single 
spot that we have not frequently visited. Neither the high mountains, nor the lesser 
hills, are without verdure, though they are very rocky; but there is from two to four 
feet depth of earth above the rock. At the same time large and straight trees are 
seen to arise between the crags ; nor could we discover the earth that nourished them; 
At a distance, this circumstance gives a more advantageous idea of the island than it 
deserves, because it encourages a conjecture, thatit contains a deep and excellent soil. 
“ There are. few or no places in the island which are not easy of access; and in 
every part there is plenty of provision and water. If no kind of fowl is visible, to 
strike a tree with force, and- hollow aloud, will occasion them instantly to hasten to 
it, when they may be easily struck down with a stick or a stone. It was by thei 
following accident that we discovered this. singular circumstance. As we were 
one day rambling about at a distance from each other, it became necessary for us to.- 
shout very loud, in order to collect the company, when we were astonished to see 
the birds flying, and coming from all parts round about us;,so that a single dis¬ 
charge of our pieces was sufficient to procure us plenty. The land turtle is likewise 
to be found every where; and the air is so mild and temperate, that there is no 
reason to apprehend any inconvenience from sleeping beneath the canopy of heaven. 
Shelter, however, is easily obtained, and a few leaves of the latanier may at any time 
be contrived to afford it. 
45 Besides our little journies, we seldom failed to take our evening walks, One o£ 
