Sophy--it is
the land of dreams."
"And of castanets," remarked Jack.
"Then my sweetheart will be alone on his island, like an exile?"
"No, Miss Sophia, we are incapable of such ingratitude. After enjoying
the hospitality of Willis in Shark's Island, he will surely deign to
accept ours at Falcon's Nest; so, whether here or there, he shall
always have four devoted followers to keep him company."
The Pilot shook Fritz by the hand, at the same time nearly dislocating
his arm.
"I wonder why God, who is so good, has not made houses grow of
themselves, like pumpkins and melons?" said Ernest.
"Rather a lazy idea that," said his father; "our great Parent has
clearly designed that we should do something for ourselves; he has
given us the acorn whence we may obtain the oak."
"Nevertheless, there are uninhabited countries which are gorged with
vegetation--the territory we are in, for example."
"True; but still no plant has ever sprung up anywhere without a seed
has been planted, either by the will of God or by the hands of man.
With regard, however, to the distribution of vegetation in a natural
state, that depends more upon the soil and climate than anything else;
wherever there is a fertile soil and moist air, there seeds will find
their way."
"But how?"
"The seeds of a great many plants are furnished with downy filaments,
which act as wings; these are taken up by the wind and carried immense
distances; others are inclosed in an elastic shell, from which, when
ripe, they are ejected with considerable force.
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