THE “PITCAIRN” AND MAN-OF-WAR OFF PITCAIRN ISLAND
To the Pitcairn islanders Norfolk Island was literally a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Although the sight of a cow was a familiar one to them, they were scarcely prepared for the large numbers of strong, healthy cattle that they saw, which supplied the milk, while honey was obtained from the hollow trees where the wild bees built their hives. The island, too, supported some two or three thousand sheep, besides cattle and horses; but the sheep were not entirely free from disease, and many of them died. The grass that covered a large portion of the island afforded abundant pasture for the flocks and herds that fed there.
The soil and climate of the island were favorable for the cultivation of various fruits, and lemons, guavas, peaches, figs, white and purple grapes, loquats, quinces, mulberries, pomegranates, watermelons, etc., etc., were produced in great abundance.
The island was well wooded. Extensive groves of the Norfolk Island pine lent their aid to delight the eye, while a variety of noble trees beautified and enriched the land, their luxuriant foliage affording a pleasing shade for the feathered songsters that awoke the echoes so sweetly with their warbling notes.
Streams of water traverse the island in several directions, while not infrequently the water is hid from view by the thick growth of flags and reeds that cover their marshy banks, and the streams themselves teem with eel life. The abundant supply of water was by no means the least of the blessings that had been bestowed upon the people, for in their old home they had known what it was to suffer for want of water. But now “the lines were fallen unto them in pleasant places; yea, they had a goodly heritage.” Indeed, so fair was that heritage that it seemed impossible to realize that it was ever the abode of so much misery and crime; and the words of the Christian poet could not have been more aptly applied than to this lovely island,
“Where every prospect pleases,
And only man is vile.”
Along the southern shore stretches a long line of coral reef, and this, extending some distance into the sea, renders it unsafe for a ship to approach too near the land. A little beyond this reef stands a rock known as Nepean Island, only relieved from utter barrenness by one or two pine trees. On this rock the whale birds congregate in great numbers to deposit their eggs, which are eagerly sought for by the people for food. While Nepean Island is covered with sea birds in their laying season, Philip Island, which stands further seaward, is overrun with wild rabbits, that make their home there and feed on the scanty herbage that the poor soil produces. Excellent fish of many varieties abound in the waters around the island. Surrounded with all that they needed, and still living together in one unbroken circle, everything seemed to promise contentment and happiness. But, as will be seen, it was not long before the hearts of some pined for the old home, and desired to return.