194 THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES

 

and a great observer of the manner how they worked those things,

and sometimes lent a hand, I had by this means so full knowledge of

the methods of it, that I wanted nothing but the materials; when it

came into my mind, that the twigs of that tree from whence I eut my

stakes that grew, might possibly be as tough as the sallows, and
. Willows, and osiers, in England; and I resolved to try.

Accordingly, the next day I went to my country- -house, as I called
it; and cutting some of the smaller twigs, I found them to my pur-
pose as much as I could desire; whereupon I came the next time pre-
pared with a hatchet to cut down a quantity, which I soon found, for
there was a great plenty of them: these I sect up to dry within my
circle, or hedges; and when they were fit for usc, I carried them to
my cave; and here, during the next season, I employed myself in

making (as well as I could) a great many baskets, both to carry carth,
or to carry or lay up any thing, as I had oceasion; and though I did
not finish them very handsomely, yet I made them sufficiently service-
able for my purpose; and thus afterwards I took care never to be
without them: and as my wicker-ware decayed I made more; especi-
ally I made strong deep baskets to place my corn in, instead of sacks,
when I should come to have any quantity of it.

Having mastered this difficulty, and employed a world of time about
it, I bestirred myself to see, if possible, how to supply two wants: I
had no vessels to hold any thing that was liquid, except two runlets,
which were almost full of rum, and some glass bottles, some of the
common size, and others, which were case-bottles, square, for the
holding of waters, spirits, &c. I had not so much as a pot to boil any
thing in, except a great kettle which I saved out of the ship, and
which was too big for such uses as I desired it for, namely, to make
broth, and stew a bit of meat by itself. The second thing I would
fain have had, was a tobacco-pipe, but it was impossible for me to
make one; however, I found a contrivance for that too at last.

T employed myself in planting my second rows of stakes of piles,
and in this wicker-work, all the summer, or dry season; when another
business took me up more time than it could be imagined I could spare.