25d 41' E.) Sekeletu acknowledged to feeling
a little nervous at the probability* of being sucked into the gulf
before reaching the island.
His companions amused themselves
by throwing stones down, and wondered to see them diminishing in size,
and even disappearing, before they reached the water at the bottom.
-
* In modern American English, the word "possibility" is more appropriate here,
and elsewhere in the text where "probability" is used. - A. L., 1997.
-
I had another object in view in my return to the island. I observed
that it was covered with trees, the seeds of which had probably
come down with the stream from the distant north, and several of which
I had seen nowhere else, and every now and then the wind wafted
a little of the condensed vapor over it, and kept the soil
in a state of moisture, which caused a sward of grass, growing as green
as on an English lawn. I selected a spot - not too near the chasm,
for there the constant deposition of the moisture nourished
numbers of polypi of a mushroom shape and fleshy consistence,
but somewhat back - and made a little garden. I there planted
about a hundred peach and apricot stones, and a quantity of coffee-seeds.
I had attempted fruit-trees before, but, when left in charge
of my Makololo friends, they were always allowed to wither,
after having vegetated, by being forgotten. I bargained for a hedge
with one of the Makololo, and if he is faithful, I have great hopes
of Mosioatunya's abilities as a nursery-man.
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