CHILIANS TO COLONIZE CRUSOE'S LAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 4 February 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

CHILIANS TO COLONIZE CRUSOE'S LAND.

SUCCESSORS TO DEFOE'S HERO.

The island on which Robinson Crusoe

was wrecked, and which now belongs to the Chilian Government, is about to be turned into a settlement. Almost everyone knows that when Defoe drew his story of Crusoe it was the story of Alexander Selkirk, and it is remarkabe how closely Defoe kept to the facts of Selkirk's existence on the isle.

Even the story of Crusoe's man Friday has a foundation of truth in the fact that Selkirk found and adopted a stray Indian. This man had become separated from a party of T lndians who had landed on the island, and having lost himself in the woods, was left behind by his people. The death of Selkirk's solitary, companion did not occur in such a dramatic manner, however, as did that of Crusoe's Friday, for Selkirk's retainer was drowned while fishing for his

master's dinner,

Barren as the place seemed to Selkirk when he was first marooned upon it. it now contains rrgtny nourishing spots. The fruit trees which he planted more than two hundred years ago have reproduced themselves, and peaches, pears, quinces, and grapes are to be had in abundance. A man who had a stock farm on the island for some reason abandoned the undertaking several years ago and turned his live stock loose. The result is that cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are now found there in a wild state, so that the new colonists are likely to

have some good sport if they have a turn for hunting.

In addition to this, the sea swarms with codfish, which should provide pleasant occupation for the anglers. The settlers, therefore, are likely to he abundantly supplied with meat, fish, and

fruit.

Up to the present time, the island, which is in the Pacific Ocean, has been occupied by a few German and Chilian families, numbering about 15 persona in all. It is now proposed, by the Chilian Government to turn the island into a regular colony, and about one hundred and fifty hardy Chilians will form the nucleus of the new settlement, which,, it is prososed to christen 'Crusoe Island.'