lled me, as it seemed to destroy all my schemes, but
I resolved that I would bring some earth to the rock, and make my garden
in that way. I at first thought of the guano, but Jackson had told me
that it was only used in small proportions to enrich the soil, and would
kill plants if used by itself. After an hour's consideration, during
which I called to mind all that Jackson had told me on the subject, I
made up my mind I would return to the cabin, and on my return ascertain
how low down the ravine I could obtain earth for my garden; I would then
carry the earth to the cabin, make a soil ready for the plants and
flowers, and then, when all was ready, I would go up the ravine, collect
what I could, and make my garden. I did so. I found that I could get
soil about one-third of the way up the ravine, a quarter of a mile below
where the brushwood grew; and having ascertained that, I returned to the
cabin, threw down my provisions which were to have lasted me a week, and
as it was late, I decided that I would not commence operations until the
following day.

I took out of the chest a duck frock, and tying up the sleeves and
collar, so as to form a bag of the body of the frock, I set off the next
morning to begin my task. That day I contrived to carry to the cabin
ten or twelve bags of mould, which I put round it in a border about four
feet wide and about a foot deep. It occupied me a whole week to obtain
the quantity of earth necessary to make the bed on each side of the
cabin; it was hard work, but it made me cheerful and happy to what I had
been before. I found that the best cure for melancholy and solitude was
employment, so I thus obtained valuable knowledge as well as the making
of my garden. When I had finished carrying the mould, I started off for
the ravine with two bags to hold the plants which I might collect, and
after a day's toil, I returned with my bags full of small shrubs,
besides a bundle of creepers to plant against the sides of the cabin.
The following day was occupied in planting everything I had procured. I
was sorry to see that the leaves and flowers hung down, but I watered
them all before I went to bed. The next morning I was delighted to
perceive that they had all recovered and were looking quite fresh. But
my garden was not full enough to please me, and I once more went up the
ravine, selecting other plants which had no flowers on them, and one or
two other shrubs, which I had not before o