Notwithstanding their number, had Selkirk wished it, he might have depopulated the island.

He was careful not to do this.
If he wished to procure a supply of provisions, he directed his steps towards the most elevated peaks of the mountain, marked his game, pursued it, caught it by the horns, or felled it by a blow from his stick; after which his knife-blade did its office.

The goat killed, he threw it on his shoulders, and, almost as swiftly as before, regained the cavernous grotto or leafy tree, in the shelter of which he could this day eat and sleep.

He had for a long time forsaken his cabin, which was too far distant from his hunting-grounds.
If he had a stock of provision on hand, he still pursued the goats as usual, but only for his personal gratification.

If he caught one, he contented himself with slitting its ear; this was his seal, the mark by which he recognized his free flock.