for the sake of that likeness he us’d to keep in their Company, and shew affection towards them.  He continued a while in this condition, Contemplating the various kinds of Animals and Plants, and walking about the Coast of his Island, to see if he could find any thing like himself; (as he observ’d that every Individual Animal, and Plant, had a great many more like it.) But all his search was in vain.  And when he perceiv’d that his Island was encompass’d by the Sea, he thought that there was no other Land in the World but only that Island.

Sec. 23.  It happen’d that by Collision a Fire was kindled among a parcel of Reeds or Canes; which fear’d him at first, as being a Sight which he was altogether a Stranger to; so that he stood at a distance a good while, strangely surpriz’d, at last he came nearer and nearer by degrees, still observing the Brightness of its Light and marvellous Efficacy in consuming every thing it touch’d, and changing it into its own Nature; till at last, his Admiration of it, and that innate Boldness and Fortitude, which God had implanted in his Nature prompted him on, that he ventur’d to come near it, and stretch’d out his Hand to take some of it.  But when it burnt his Fingers and he found there was no dealing with it that way, he endeavour’d to take a stick, which the Fire had not as yet wholly seiz’d upon; so taking hold on that part which was untouch’d he easily gain’d his purpose, and carried it Home to his Lodging (for he had contriv’d for himself a convenient place) there he kept this Fire and added Fuel to it, admir’d it wonderfully, and tended it night and day; at night especially, because its Light and Heat supply’d the absence of the Sun; so that he was extreamly delighted with it, and reckon’d it the most excellent of all those things which he had about him.  And when he observ’d that it always mov’d upwards, he perswaded himself that, it was one of those Celestial Substances which he saw shining in the Firmament, and he was continually trying of its power, by throwing things into it, which he perceiv’d it operated upon and consum’d, sometimes sooner, sometimes slower, according as the Bodies which he put into it were more or less combustible.

Sec. 25.  Amongst other things which he put in to try its strength, he once flung in some Fish which had been thrown a-shore by the Water, and as soon as e’re he smelt the Steam, it rais’d his Appetite, so that he had a Mind to Taste of them; which he did, and found ’em very agreeable and from that time he began to use himself to the Eating of Flesh, and applied himself to Fishing and Hunting till he understood those sports very well:  upon this account he admir’d his Fire more and more, because it help’d him to several sorts of Provision which he was altogether unacquainted with before.