SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Visit https://testbankdeal.com to download the full version and
explore more testbank or solutions manual
Accounting Information Systems The Processes
Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solutions Manual
_____ Click the link below to download _____
https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-
systems-the-processes-controls-2nd-edition-turner-solutions-
manual/
Explore and download more testbank or solutions manual at testbankdeal.com
Here are some recommended products that we believe you will be
interested in. You can click the link to download.
Accounting Information Systems The Processes and Controls
2nd Edition Turner Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-systems-the-
processes-and-controls-2nd-edition-turner-test-bank/
Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd
Edition Turner Solutions Manual
https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-systems-
controls-processes-3rd-edition-turner-solutions-manual/
Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd
Edition Turner Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-systems-
controls-processes-3rd-edition-turner-test-bank/
Chemistry The Central Science 14th Edition Brown Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/chemistry-the-central-science-14th-
edition-brown-test-bank/
Our Social World 4th Edition Ballantine Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/our-social-world-4th-edition-
ballantine-test-bank/
Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice 2nd Edition
Lilley Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/pharmacology-for-canadian-health-
care-practice-2nd-edition-lilley-test-bank/
Consumer Behavior 12th Edition Schiffman Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/consumer-behavior-12th-edition-
schiffman-test-bank/
Basic Biomechanics 7th Edition Hall Test Bank
https://testbankdeal.com/product/basic-biomechanics-7th-edition-hall-
test-bank/
Finance Applications and Theory 3rd Edition Cornett
Solutions Manual
https://testbankdeal.com/product/finance-applications-and-theory-3rd-
edition-cornett-solutions-manual/
Financial Algebra Advanced Algebra with Financial
Applications 1st Edition Gerver Solutions Manual
https://testbankdeal.com/product/financial-algebra-advanced-algebra-
with-financial-applications-1st-edition-gerver-solutions-manual/
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
Turner/Accounting Information Systems, 2e
Solutions Manual
Chapter 7
Concept Check
1. b
2. b
3. d
4. c
5. b
6. a
7. c
8. b
9. d
10.a
11.a
12.c
13.c
14.d
15.c
16.a
17.c
18.a
19.a
20.c
21.d
Discussion Questions
22.(SO 1) What are assurance services? What value do assurance services provide?
Assurance services are accounting services that improve the quality of information.
Many services performed by accountants are valued because they lend credibility to
financial information.
23.(SO 2) Differentiate between a compliance audit and an operational audit. A
compliance audit is a form of assurance service that involves accumulating and
analyzing information to determine whether a company has complied with
regulations and policies established by contractual agreements, governmental
agencies, company management, or other high authority. Operational audits assess
operating policies and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
24.(SO 2) Which type of audit is most likely to be performed by government auditors?
Which type of audit is most likely to be performed by internal auditors?
Governmental auditors are most likely to perform compliance audits, and internal
auditors are most likely to perform operational audits.
25.(SO 2) Identify the three areas of an auditor’s work that are significantly impacted by
the presence of IT accounting systems. The IT environment plays a key role in how
auditors conduct their work in the following areas:
• consideration of risk
• determination of audit procedures to be used to obtain knowledge of the
accounting and internal control systems
• design and performance of audit tests.
26.(SO 3) Describe the three causes of information risk. Information risk is caused by:
• Remote information; for instance, when the source of information is removed
from the decision maker, it stands a greater chance of being misstated.
• Large volumes of information or complex information.
• Variations in viewpoints or incentives of the preparer.
27.(SO 3) Explain how an audit trail might get “lost” within a computerized system.
Loss of an audit trail occurs when there is a lack of physical evidence to view in
support of a transaction. This may occur when the details of accounting transactions
are entered directly into the computer system, with no supporting paper documents.
If there is a system failure, database destruction, unauthorized access, or
environmental damage, the information processed under such a system may be lost
or altered.
28.(SO 3) Explain how the presence of IT processes can improve the quality of
information that management uses for decision making. IT processes tend to
provide information in a timely and efficient manner. This enhances management’s
ability to make effective decisions, which is the essence of quality of information.
29.(SO 4) Distinguish among the focuses of the GAAS standards of fieldwork and
standards of reporting. The standards of fieldwork provide general guidelines for
performing the audit. They address the importance of planning and supervision,
understanding internal controls, and evidence accumulation. The standards of
reporting address the auditor’s requirements for communicating the audit results in
writing, including the reference to GAAP, consistency, adequate disclosures, and the
expression of an overall opinion on the fairness of financial statements.
30.(SO 4) Which professional standard-setting organization provides guidance on the
conduct of an IT audit? The Information Systems Audit and Control Association
(ISACA) is responsible for issuing Information Systems Auditing Standards (ISASs),
which provide guidelines for conducting an IT audit.
31.(SO 5) If management is responsible for its own financial statements, why are
auditors important? Auditors are important because they are responsible for
analyzing financial statements to decide whether they are fairly stated and presented
in accordance with GAAP. Since the financial statements are prepared by managers
of the company, the role of auditors is to reduce information risk associated with
those financial statements. To accomplish this, auditors design tests to analyze
information supporting the financial statements in order to determine whether
management’s assertions are valid.
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
32.(SO 6) List the techniques used for gathering evidence. The techniques used for
gathering evidence include the following:
• physically examining or inspecting assets or supporting documentation
• obtaining written confirmation from an independent source
• rechecking or recalculating information
• observing activities
• making inquiries of company personnel
• analyzing financial relationships and making comparisons to determine
reasonableness
33.(SO 6) During which phase of an audit would an auditor consider risk assessment
and materiality? Risk assessment and materiality are considered during the
planning phase of an audit.
34.(SO 7) Distinguish between auditing through the computer and auditing with the
computer. When are auditors required to audit through the computer as opposed to
auditing around the computer? Auditing through the computer involves directly
testing internal controls within the IT system, which requires the auditors to
understand the computer system logic. Auditing through the computer is necessary
when the auditor wants to test computer controls as a basis for evaluating risk and
reducing the amount of audit testing required, and when supporting documents are
available only in electronic form. Auditing with the computer involves auditors using
their own systems, software, and computer-assisted audit techniques to help
conduct an audit.
35.(SO 8) Explain why it is customary to complete the testing of general controls before
testing application controls. Since general controls are the automated controls that
affect all computer applications, the reliability of general controls must be
established before application controls are tested. The effectiveness of general
controls is considered the foundation for the IT control environment. If there are
problems with the effectiveness of general controls, auditors will not devote attention
to the testing of application controls; rather, they will reevaluate the audit approach
with reduced reliance on controls.
36.(SO 8) Identify four important aspects of administrative control in an IT environment.
Four important aspects of administrative control include:
• personal accountability and segregation of incompatible responsibilities
• job descriptions and clear lines of authority
• computer security and virus protection
• IT systems documentation
37.(SO 8) Explain why Benford’s Law is useful to auditors in the detection of fraud.
Benford’s Law recognizes nonuniform patterns in the frequency of numbers
occurring in a list, so it is useful to auditors in the identification of fabricated data
within account balances such as sales, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash
disbursements, income taxes, etc. If fraudulent data are presented, they would not
likely follow the natural distribution that Benford’s Law sets forth.
38.(SO 8) Think about a place you have worked where computers were present. What
are some physical and environmental controls that you have observed in the
workplace? Provide at least two examples of each from your personal experience.
Student’s responses are likely to vary greatly. Examples of physical controls may
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
include card keys and configuration tables, as well as other physical security
features such as locked doors, etc. Environmental controls may include temperature
and humidity controls, fire, flood, earthquake controls, or measures to ensure a
consistent power supply.
39.(SO 8) Batch totals and hash totals are common input controls. Considering the fact
that hash totals can be used with batch processing, differentiate between these two
types of controls. Both batch totals and hash totals are mathematical sums of data
that can be used to determine whether there may be missing data. However, batch
totals are meaningful because they provide summations of dollar amounts or item
counts for a journal entry used in the financial accounting system, whereas hash
totals are not relevant to the financial accounting system (i.e., the hash totals are
used only for their control purpose and have no other numerical significance).
40.(SO 8) The test data method and an integrated test facility are similar in that they are
both tests of applications controls and they both rely on the use of test data. Explain
the difference between these two audit techniques. The test data method tests the
processing accuracy of software applications by using the company’s own computer
system to process fictitious information developed by the auditors. The results of the
test must be compared with predicted results. An integrated test facility also tests
processing applications, but can accomplish this without disrupting the company’s
operations. An integrated test facility inputs fictitious data along with the company’s
actual data, and tests it using the client’s own computer system. The testing occurs
simultaneously with the company’s actual transaction processing.
41.(SO 9) Explain the necessity for performing substantive testing even for audit clients
with strong internal controls and sophisticated IT systems. Since substantive testing
determines whether financial information is accurate, it is necessary for all financial
statement audits. Control testing establishes whether the system promotes
accuracy, while substantive testing verifies the monetary amounts of transactions
and account balances. Even if controls are found to be effective, there still needs to
be some testing to make sure that the amounts of transactions and account
balances have actually been recorded fairly.
42.(SO 9) What kinds of audit tools are used to perform routine tests on electronic data
files taken from databases? List the types of tests that can be performed with these
tools. CPA firms use generalized audit software (GAS) or data analysis software
(DAS) to perform audit tests on electronic data files taken from commonly used
database systems. These tools help auditors perform routine testing in an efficient
manner. The types of tests that can be performed using GAS or DAS include:
• mathematical and statistical calculations
• data queries
• identification of missing items in a sequence
• stratification and comparison of data items
• selection of items of interest from the data files
• summarization of testing results into a useful format for decision making
43.(SO 10) Which of the four types of audit reports is the most favorable for an audit
client? Which is the least favorable? An unqualified audit report is the most
favorable because it expresses reasonable assurance that the underlying financial
statements are fairly stated in all material respects. On the other hand, an adverse
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
opinion is the least favorable report because it indicates the presence of material
misstatements in the underlying financial statements.
44.(SO 10) Why is it so important to obtain a letter of representations from an audit
client? The letter of representations is so important because it is management’s
acknowledgement of its primary responsibility for the fair presentation of the financial
statements. In this letter, management must declare that it has provided complete
and accurate information to its auditors during all phases of the audit. This serves as
a significant piece of audit evidence.
45.(SO 11) How can auditors evaluate internal controls when their clients use IT
outsourcing? When a company uses IT outsourcing, auditors must still evaluate
internal controls. This may be accomplished by relying upon a third-party report from
the independent auditor of the outsourcing center, or it can audit around the
computer, or it can test controls at the outsourcing center.
46.(SO 12) An auditor’s characteristic of professional skepticism is most closely
associated with which ethical principle of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct?
Professional skepticism is most closely associated with the principle of Objectivity
and Independence. Professional skepticism means that auditors should have a
questioning mind and a persistent approach for evaluating financial information for
the possibility of misstatements. This is closely related to the notion of objectivity and
independence in its requirements for being free of conflicts of interest.
Brief Exercises
47.(SO 2) Why is it necessary for a CPA to be prohibited from having financial or
personal connections with a client? Provide an example of how a financial
connection to a company would impair an auditor’s objectivity. Provide an example
of how a personal relationship might impair an auditor’s objectivity. An auditor
should not have any financial or personal connections with a client company
because they could impair his/her objectivity. It would be difficult for an auditor to be
free of bias if he/she were to have a financial or personal relationship with the
company or one of its associates. For example, if an auditor owned stock in a client
company, the auditor would stand to benefit financially if the company’s financial
statements included and unqualified audit report, as this favorable opinion could lead
to favorable results for the company such as paying a dividend, obtaining financing,
etc. Additionally, if an auditor had a family member or other close personal
relationship with someone who works for the company, the auditor’s independence
may be impaired due to the knowledge that the family member or other person may
be financially dependent upon the company or may have played a significant role in
the preparation of the financial statements.
48.(SO 3) From an internal control perspective, discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of using IT-based accounting systems. The advantages of using IT-
based accounting systems are the improvements in internal control due to the
reduction of human error and increase in speed. The disadvantages include the loss
of audit trail visibility, increased likelihood of lost or altered data, lack of segregation
of duties, and fewer opportunities for authorization and review of transactions.
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
49.(SO 4) Explain why standards of fieldwork for GAAS are not particularly helpful to an
auditor who is trying to determine the types of testing to be used on an audit
engagement. GAAS provides a general framework that is not specific enough to
provide specific guidance in the actual performance of an audit. For detailed
guidance, auditors rely upon standards issued by the PCAOB, the ASB, the IAPC,
and ISACA.
50.(SO 5) Ping and Pong are assigned to perform the audit of Paddle Company. During
the audit, it was discovered that the amount of sales reported on Paddle’s income
statement was understated because one week’s sales transactions were not
recorded due to a computer glitch. Ping claims that this problem represents a
violation of the management assertion regarding existence, because the reported
account balance was not real. Pong argues that the completeness assertion was
violated, because relevant data was omitted from the records. Which auditor is
correct? Explain your answer. The completeness assertion is concerned with
possible omissions from the accounting records and the related understatements of
financial information; in other words, it asserts that all valid transactions have been
recorded. Accordingly, Pong’s argument is correct. Ping’s argument is not correct
because the existence assertion is concerned with the possibility of fictitious
transactions and the related overstatements of financial information.
51.(SO 6) One of the most important tasks of the planning phase is for the auditor to
gain an understanding of internal controls. How does this differ from the tasks
performed during the tests of controls phase? During the planning phase of an audit,
auditors must gain an understanding of internal controls in order to determine
whether the controls can be relied upon as a basis for reducing the extent of
substantive testing to be performed. Understanding of internal controls is the basis
for the fundamental decision regarding the strategy of the audit. It also impacts the
auditor’s risk assessment and establishment of materiality. During the tests of
controls phase, the auditor goes beyond the understanding of the internal controls
and actually evaluates the effectiveness of those controls.
52.(SO 8) How is it possible that a review of computer logs can be used to test for both
internal access controls and external access controls? Other than reviewing the
computer logs, identify and describe two types of audit procedures performed to test
internal access controls, and two types of audit procedures performed to test
external access controls. Internal access controls can be evaluated by reviewing
computer logs for the existence of login failures or unusual activity, and to gauge
access times for reasonableness in light of the types of tasks performed. Internal
access controls can also be tested by reviewing the company’s policies regarding
segregation of IT duties and other IT controls, and can test those controls to
determine whether access is being limited in accordance with the company’s
policies. In addition, auditors may perform authenticity testing to evaluate the
authority tables and determine whether only authorized employees are provided
access to IT systems.
Computer logs can also be reviewed to evaluate external access controls, as the
logs may identify unauthorized users and failed access attempts. External access
controls may also be tested through authenticity tests, penetrations tests, and
vulnerability assessments. Authenticity tests, as described above, determine
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
whether access has been limited to those included in the company’s authority tables.
Penetration tests involve the auditor trying to gain unauthorized access to the client’s
system, by attempting to penetrate its firewall. Vulnerability assessments are tests
aimed at identifying weak points in the company’s IT systems where unauthorized
access may occur, such as through a firewall or due to problems in the encryption
techniques.
53.(SO 9) Explain why continuous auditing is growing in popularity. Identify and
describe a computer-assisted audit technique useful for continuous auditing.
Continuous auditing has increased in popularity due to the increase in e-commerce.
Real-time financial reporting has created the need for continuous auditing, whereby
auditors continuously analyze evidence and provide assurance on the related
financial information as soon as it occurs or shortly thereafter. The embedded audit
module is a computer-assisted audit technique that accomplishes continuous
auditing. The embedded audit module approach involves placing special audit
testing programs within a company’s operating system. These test modules search
the data and analyze transactions or account balances that meet specified
conditions of interest to the auditor.
54.(SO 11) Distinguish between the various service organization controls (SOC)
reporting options available to auditors who evaluate cloud computing service
providers. The SOC 1 report addresses internal controls over financial reporting. A
SOC 1Type I report contains management’s assessment and the auditor’s opinion
on the operating design of internal controls over financial reporting. A SOC 1 Type II
report is an extension of the Type I report in that it also evaluates the operating
effectiveness of those internal controls. A SOC 2 report considers controls over
compliance and operations, including the Trust Services Principles. Similar to SOC 1
reports, SOC 2 reporting options also allow for a Type I or Type II conclusion
depending upon whether the auditor consider suitability of design or operating
effectiveness of those controls, respectively. Finally, a SOC 3 report is an unaudited
report that is available to the general public containing a CPA firm’s conclusion on
the elements of the Trust Services Principles.
Problems
55.(SO 4) Given is a list of standard-setting bodies and a description of their purpose.
Match each standard-setting body with its purpose.
I. c.
II. a.
III. d.
IV. b.
56.(SO 8) Identify whether audit tests are used to evaluate internal access controls (I),
external access controls (E), or both (B).
• Authenticity tests (B)
• Penetration tests (E)
• Vulnerability assessments (E)
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
• Review of access logs (B)
• Review of policies concerning the issuance of passwords and security tokens (I)
57.(SO 9) Refer to the notes payable audit program excerpt presented in Exhibit 7-3. If
an auditor had a copy of his client’s data file for its notes receivable, how could a
general audit software or data analysis software package be used to assist with
these audit tests? GAS and DAS could assist auditors in testing notes payable by
performing mathematical calculations of interest amounts, stratification of amounts
into current and long-term categories according to maturity dates, and performing
ratio calculations as may be needed to assess compliance with restrictions.
58.(SO 11) In order to preserve auditor independence, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
restricts the types of nonaudit services that auditors can perform for their public-
company audit clients. The list includes nine types of services that are prohibited
because they are deemed to impair an auditor’s independence. Included in the list
are the following:
• financial information systems design and implementation
• internal audit outsourcing
Describe how an auditor’s independence could be impaired if she performed IT
design and implementation functions for her audit client. Likewise, how could an
auditor’s involvement with internal audit outsourcing impair her independence with
respect to auditing the same company? Both of these scenarios would place the
auditor in a position of auditing his/her own work. Auditors could not maintain
independence if they are involved in both the IT design and implementation as well
as the financial statement audit. To the extent that the IT system impacts financial
reporting, an auditor could not possibly be unbiased with respect to a system that
he/she had designed and implemented. Likewise, auditors are not likely to be
unbiased with respect to performing a financial statement audit for the same
company as he/she performed internal audit work. Any evaluations performed during
the internal audit engagement are likely to have a bearing on the auditor’s
professional attitude while performing the financial statement audit.
59.(SO 2) Visit the AICPA website at www.aicpa.org and select the tab for Career
Paths. Click on “This Way to CPA” to locate information on audit careers. The
AICPA website presents information on various career paths, including public
accounting (audit, taxation, financial planning, etc.), business and industry,
governmental accounting, not-for-profit accounting, education, and
entrepreneurship. Some specialty areas include forensic accounting, environmental
accounting, and showbiz accounting.
60.(SO 4, 9) Visit the ISACA website at www.isaca.org and click on the Knowledge
Center tab, then select ITAF (Information Technology Assurance Framework) and
click on the IT Audit Basics tab to find articles covering topics concerning the audit
process. Locate an article on each of the following topics and answer the related
question:
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
a. Identify and briefly describe the four categories of CAATs used to support
IT auditing. The four categories include1:
• data analysis software, including GAS and DAS
• Network security evaluation software/utilities
• OS and DBMS security evaluation software/utilities
• Software and code testing tools
b. List three possible procedures to be performed by auditors who are
evaluating controls pertaining to the backup and recovery of a client’s
data. The three procedures include2:
• Review or observe backup procedures
• Review documentation of a successful restore within the period
• Personally verify restoration when risk is high or when restoration is an
audit objective.
61. (SO 8) Locate the stock tables for the two major stock exchanges in any issue of
the Wall Street Journal. Beginning from any point within the table, prepare a list of
the first digits of the daily volume for 100 stocks. Determine whether the listed
numbers conform to Benford’s Law. Student responses will vary depending upon the
timing of carrying out this requirement and the starting point used. However,
students should determine whether the number 1 is represented as the first digit of
the volume figures for approximately 33% of the items within the list. If so, then the
data conform to Benford’s Law.
62.(SO 12) Perform an Internet search to determine the nature of Xerox Corporation’s
management fraud scheme and to find out what happened to the company after the
problems were discovered. Xerox’s fraud involved earnings management or
manipulation of the financial statements in order to boost earnings. This occurred at
Xerox to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars and involved various accounting
tricks to hide the company’s true financial performance so that it would meet or beat
Wall Street expectations. The most significant trick was the premature recording of
revenues. Upon discovery of the fraud, the SEC filed a $10 million civil suit against
Xerox, the largest fine in SEC history. In addition, Xerox had to restate its earnings
from 1997 through 2001.
Cases
63. Internal Controls and CAATs for a Wholesale client.
a. What tests of controls would be effective in helping Draker determine whether
Palitt’s vendor database was susceptible to fraud? The following tests of
controls could be used:
• Verify that the database is physically secure and that programs and
data files are password protected to prevent unauthorized access.
1 “Using CAATs to Support IS Audit” by S. Anantha Sayana for Information Systems Control Journal, Vol.
1, 2003.
2 “What Every IT Auditor Should Know About Backup and Recovery” by Tommie W. Singleton for ISACA
Journal, Vol, 6, 2011.
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
Since this situation involves an internal breach of authority, access
logs should be reviewed for activity at unusual times (non-business
hours).
• Make sure that system programmers do not have access to database
operations so that there is no opportunity to alter source code and the
related operational data.
• Ascertain that database inputs are being compared with system-
generated outputs.
• Determine whether run-to-run totals are being generated and reviewed
to evaluate the possibility of lost or altered data.
• Ascertain that computer-generated reports are regularly reviewed by
management.
• Determine whether the client’s field checks, validity checks, and
reasonableness checks are all working effectively.
b. What computer-assisted audit technique would be effective in helping Draker
determine whether Palitt’s vendor database had actually been falsified?
Draker could use GAS or DAS to perform audit testing on electronic data files
taken from Lea’s database system. Several types of audit tests commonly
performed by GAS or DAS systems could be used in this case, including data
queries, stratification and comparison of data items, and selection of items of
interest. In addition, the following tests can be performed to test the propriety
of inputs to the system:
• Financial control totals can be used to determine whether total dollar
amounts or item counts are consistent with journal entry amounts.
This can detect whether additions have been made during processing.
• Validation checks can be performed to scan entries for bogus
information. Depending on the type of IT system, a validity check of the
vendor number field may prevent the entry of fictitious vendors.
• Field checks can be performed to identify unrecognized data.
If the bogus transactions are being entered during processing, the auditor
may use program tracing to evaluate program logic for possible points of
entering fraudulent information. Run-to-run totals may also be used to
determine whether data have been altered during processing. In addition,
output controls such as reasonableness tests could be performed to review
the output against authorized inputs, and/or audit trail tests could be
performed to trace transactions through the system to determine if changes
occurred along the way.
64. Issues with the client representation letter.
a. Would it be appropriate for Pannor to reopen the audit testing phases in
order to expand procedures, in light of the lack of representative evidence
from management? Why or why not? No, Pannor should not expand
testing procedures. The purpose of the client’s representations letter is for
management to acknowledge its primary responsibility for the fair
presentation of the financial statements and the accuracy of evidence
provided to the auditors. It is considered the most significant piece of audit
Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes
evidence. Obtaining additional evidence would not compensate for a
failure to secure a letter of representations; in fact, it is likely that
additional testing would be meaningless unless management represents
that the evidence it supplies is accurate.
b. Will Pannor’s firm still be able to issue an unqualified audit report if it does
not receive the representations letter? Research the standard wording to
be included in an unqualified audit report, as well as the typical wording
included in a client representations letter. Base your answer on your
findings. No, an unqualified report is no longer possible due to the failure
to obtain written representations from management. This constitutes a
limitation in the scope of the audit. Pannor’s firm may either withdraw from
the engagement or issue a disclaimer. The standard wording for a client
representations letter can be found in AU section 333. The standard
wording for an unqualified audit report can be found in AU section 508.
Another Random Scribd Document
with Unrelated Content
"Were cherries, father? May we not even call cherries Swiss? I
always thought they grew nowhere else."
"I am afraid we cannot even claim cherries as our own, not even
the name of them; they are called cherries from Cerasus, a state of
Pontus, in Asia, whence they were brought to Europe by Lucullus, a
Roman general, about seventy years before Christ. Hazelnuts also
came from Pontus; walnuts, again, came originally from Persia. As
for grapes, they are of the greatest antiquity. We hear, if you
remember, of Noah cultivating vines, and they have been brought
from one place to another until they now are to be found in most
parts of the civilized world."
"Do you think all these trees will grow?" asked Fritz, as we crossed
Jackal River and entered our plantation at Tentholm: "here are
lemons, pomegranates, pistachio nuts, and mulberries."
"I have little doubt of it," I replied, "we are evidently within the
tropics, where such trees as these are sure to flourish. These pines,
now, come from France, Spain, and Italy; the olives from Armenia
and Palestine; the figs originally from the island of Chios; the
peaches and apricots from Persia; plums from Damascus in Syria,
and the pears of all sorts from Greece. However, if our countries
have not been blessed in the same way with fruit, we have been
given wisdom and skill, which has enabled us to import and cultivate
the trees of other lands."
We thus talked and worked until every tree that required
treatment was provided with a stout bamboo prop, and then, with
appetites which a gourmand might well have envied, we returned to
Falconhurst. I think the good mother was almost alarmed at the way
we fell upon the corned beef and palm-cabbage she set before us,
but at length these good things produced the desired effect, and one
after another declared himself satisfied. As we sat reclining after our
labor and digesting our dinner, we discussed the various projects we
had in contemplation. "I wish," said my wife, "that you would invent
some other plan for climbing to the nest above us; I think that the
nest itself is perfect—I really wish for nothing better, but I should
like to be able to get to it without scaling that dreadful ladder every
time; could you not make a flight of steps to reach it?"
I carefully thought over the project, and turned over every plan
for its accomplishment.
"It would be impossible, I am afraid," said I, "to make stairs
outside, but within the trunk it might be done. More than once have
I thought that this trunk might be hollow, or partly so, and if such be
the case our task would be comparatively easy. Did you not tell me
the other day that you noticed bees coming from a hole in the tree?"
"Oh, yes," said little Franz, "and I went to look at them and one
flew right against my face and stung me, and I almost cried, but I
didn't."
"Brave little boy," said I. "Well, now, if the trunk be sufficiently
hollow to contain a swarm of bees, it may be, for all we can tell,
hollow the greater part of its length, for like the willow in our own
country it might draw all its nourishment through the bark, and in
spite of its real unsoundness retain a flourishing appearance."
Master Jack, practical as usual, instantly sprang to his feet to put
my conjecture to the proof. The rest followed his example, and they
were all soon climbing about like squirrels, peeping into the hole,
and tapping the wood to discover by sound how far down the cavity
extended.
They forgot, in their eagerness, who were the tenants of this
interesting trunk. They were soon reminded of it, however, for the
bees, disturbed by this unusual noise, with an angry buzz burst out,
and in an instant attacked the causers of the annoyance; they
swarmed round them, stung them on the hands, face, and neck,
settled in their hair, and pursued them as they ran to me for
assistance. It was with difficulty that we got rid of the angry insects
and were able to attend to the boys. Jack, who had been the first to
reach the hole, had fared the worst, and was soon a most pitiable
sight, his face swelled to an extraordinary degree, and it was only by
the constant application of cold earth that the pain was alleviated.
They were all eager to commence an organized attack upon the
bees at once, but for an hour or more, by reason of their pain, they
were unable to render me much assistance. In the meanwhile I
made my arrangements. I first took a large calabash gourd, for I
intended to make a beehive, that, when we had driven the insects
from their present abode, we might not lose them entirely. The
lower half of the gourd I flattened, I then cut an arched opening in
the front for a doorway, made a straw roof as a protection from the
rain and heat, and the little house was complete.
Nothing more, however, could then be done, for the irritated bees
were still angrily buzzing round the tree. I waited till dark, and then,
when all the bees had again returned to their trunk, with Fritz's
assistance I carefully stopped up every hole in the tree with wet clay,
that the bees might not issue forth next morning before we could
begin operations. Very early were we up and at work. I first took a
hollow cane, and inserted one end through the clay into the tree;
down this tube with pipe and tobacco I smoked most furiously.
The humming and buzzing that went on within was tremendous;
the bees evidently could not understand what was going to happen.
I finished my first pipeful, and putting my thumb over the end of the
cane, I gave the pipe to Fritz to refill. He did so and I again smoked.
The buzzing was now becoming less noisy, and was subsiding into a
mere murmur. By the time I had finished this second pipe all was
still; the bees were stupefied.
"Now then, Fritz," said I, "quick, with a hammer and chisel, and
stand here beside me."
He was up in a moment, and, together, we cut a small door by the
side of the hole; this door, however, we did not take out, but we left
it attached by one corner that it might be removed at a moment's
notice; then giving the bees a final dose of tobacco smoke, we
opened it.
Carefully but rapidly we removed the insects, as they clung in
clusters to the sides of the tree, and placed them in the hive
prepared for their reception. As rapidly I then took every atom of
wax and honey from their storehouse, and put it in a cask I had
made ready for the purpose.
The bees were now safely removed from the trunk, but I could not
tell whether, when they revived from their temporary stupor, they
might not refuse to occupy the house with which I had presented
them, and insist on returning to their old quarters. To prevent the
possibility of this occurrence, I took a quantity of tobacco, and
placing it upon a board nailed horizontally within the trunk, I lighted
it and allowed it to burn slowly, that the fumes might fill the cavity.
It was well I did so, for, as the bees returned to consciousness, they
left their pretty hive and buzzed away to the trunk of the tree. They
seemed astonished at finding this uninhabitable, and an immense
deal of noisy humming ensued. Round and round they flew,
backward and forward between the gourd and tree, now settling
here and now there, until, at length, after due consideration, they
took possession of the hive and abandoned their former habitation
to us, the invaders of their territory. By the evening they were quite
quiet, and we ventured to open the cask in which we had stored our
plunder. We first separated the honey from the honeycomb and
poured it off into jars and pots; the rest we then took and threw into
a vessel of water placed over a slow fire. It soon boiled and the
entire mass became fluid. This we placed in a clean canvas bag, and
subjected to a heavy pressure. The honey was thus soon forced out,
and we stored it in a cask, and, though not perhaps quite equal to
the former batch in quality, it was yet capital. The wax that remained
in the bag I also carefully stored, for I knew it would be of great use
to me in the manufacture of candles. Then after a hard day's work
we turned in.
The internal architecture of the tree had now to be attended to,
and early the following morning we prepared for the laborious task.
A door had first to be made, so at the base of the trunk we cut away
the bark and formed an opening just the size of the door we had
brought from the captain's cabin, and which, hinges and all, was
ready to be hung. The clearing of the rotten wood from the center of
the trunk occupied us some time, but at length we had the
satisfaction of seeing it entirely accomplished, and, as we stood
below, we could look up the trunk, which was like a great smooth
funnel, and see the sky above. It was now ready for the staircase,
and first we erected in the center a stout sapling to form an axis
round which to build the spiral stairs; in this we cut notches to
receive the steps, and corresponding notches in the tree itself to
support the outer ends. The steps themselves we formed carefully
and neatly of planks from the wreck, and clenched them firmly in
their places with stout nails. Upward and upward we built, cutting
windows in the trunk as we required, to admit light and air, until we
were flush with the top of the center pole. On this pole we erected
another to reach the top of the tree, and securing it firmly, built in
the same way round it until we at length reached the level of the
floor of the nest above. To make the ascent of the stairs perfectly
easy we ran a hand-rail on either side, one round the center pillar,
and the other following the curve of the trunk.
This task occupied us a whole month, and by the end of that
period, so accustomed had we become to having a definite piece of
work before us that we began to consider what other great
alteration we should undertake. We were, however, of course not
neglecting the details of our colonial establishment. There were all
the animals to be attended to; the goats and sheep had both
presented us with additions to our flock, and these frisky youngsters
had to be seen after; to prevent them straying to any great distance
—for we had no wish to lose them—we tied round their necks little
bells, which we had found on board the wreck, and which would
assist us to track them. Juno, too, had a fine litter of puppies, but, in
spite of the entreaties of the children, I could not consent to keep
more than two, and the rest disappeared in that mysterious way in
which puppies and kittens are wont to leave the earth. To console
the mother, as he said, but also, I suspect, to save himself
considerable trouble, Jack placed his little jackal beside the
remaining puppies, and, to his joy, found it readily adopted. The
other pets were also flourishing, and were being usefully trained.
The buffalo, after giving us much trouble, had now become perfectly
domesticated, and was a very useful beast of burden, besides being
a capital steed for the boys. They guided him by a bar thrust
through the hole in his nose, which was now perfectly healed, and
this served the purpose just as a bit in the mouth of a horse. I
began his education by securing round him a broad girth of buffalo
hide and fastening to it various articles, to accustom him to carrying
a burden. By degrees he permitted this to be done without making
the slightest resistance, and soon carried the paniers, before borne
by the ass, readily and willingly.
I then made Master Knips sit upon his back and hold the reins I
had prepared for him, that the animal might become accustomed to
the feeling of a rider, and finally allowed Fritz himself to mount. The
education of the eagle was not neglected. Fritz every day shot small
birds for his food, and these he placed, sometimes between the
wide-spreading horns of the buffalo or goat, and, sometimes upon
the back of the great bustard, that he might become accustomed to
pounce upon living prey. These lessons had their due effect, and the
bird, having been taught to obey the voice and whistle of his master,
he was soon allowed to bring down small birds upon the wing, when
he stooped and struck his quarry in most sportsmanlike manner. We
kept him well away from the poultry yard, lest his natural instincts
should show themselves and he should put an untimely end to some
of our feathered pets.
Neither was Master Knips allowed to remain idle, for Ernest, now
that he was in his possession, wished to train him to be of some use.
With Jack's help he made a little basket of rushes, which he so
arranged with straps that it might be easily fitted on to the monkey's
back. Thus equipped, he was taught to mount cocoanut palms and
other lofty trees, and to bring down their fruit in the hamper.
Jack was not so successful in his educational attempts. Fangs, as
he had christened his jackal, used his fangs, indeed, but only on his
own account; nothing could persuade him that the animals he
caught were not at once to be devoured, consequently poor Jack
was never able to save from his jaws anything but the tattered skin
of his prey. Not disheartened, however, he determined that Fangs
could be trained, and that he would train him.
These, and such like employment, afforded us the rest and
recreation we required while engaged in the laborious task of
staircase building.
Among minor occupations, I applied myself to the improvement of
our candles. Though the former batch had greatly delighted us at
first, yet we were soon obliged to acknowledge that the light they
gave was imperfect, and their appearance was unsightly; my wife,
too, begged me to find some substitute for the threads of our cotton
neckties, which I had previously used as wicks. To give the proper
shape and smoothness to the candles, I determined to use the
bamboo molds I had prepared. My first idea was to pour the wax in
at the end of the mold, and then when the candles were cooled to
slip them out; but I was soon convinced that this plan would not
succeed. I therefore determined to divide the molds length-ways,
and then having greased them well, we might pour the melted wax
into the two halves bound tightly together, and so be able to take
out the candles when cool without injuring them. The wicks were my
next difficulty, and as the mother positively refused to allow us to
devote our ties and handkerchiefs for the purpose, I took a piece of
inflammable wood from a tree, a native of the Antilles, which I
thought would serve our purpose; this I cut into long slips, and fixed
in the centers of the molds. My wife, too, prepared some wicks from
the fibers of the karata tree, which she declared would beat mine
completely out of the field. We put them to the proof.
On a large fire we placed a pot, in which we prepared our wax
mixture—half beeswax and half wax from the candleberries. The
molds, carefully prepared—half with karata fiber, and half with
wooden splint wicks—stood on their ends in a tub of cold water,
ready to receive the wax. They were filled; the wax cooled; the
candles taken out and subjected to the criticism of all hands. When
night drew on, they were formally tested. The decision was
unanimous: neither gave such a good light as those with the cotton
wicks; but even my wife declared that the light from mine was far
preferable to that emitted by hers, for the former, though rather
flaring, burned brilliantly, while the latter gave out such a feeble and
flickering flame that it was almost useless.
I then turned shoemaker, for I had promised myself a pair of
waterproof boots, and now I determined to make them.
Taking a pair of socks, I filled them with sand and then coated
them over with a thin layer of clay to form a convenient mold; this
was soon hardened in the sun, and was ready for use. Layer after
layer of caoutchouc I brushed over it, allowing each layer to dry
before the next was put on, until at length I considered that the
shoes were of sufficient thickness. I dried them, broke out the clay,
secured with nails a strip of buffalo hide to the soles, brushed that
over with caoutchouc, and I had a pair of comfortable, durable,
respectable-looking waterproof boots.
I was delighted; orders poured in from all sides, and soon every
one in the family was likewise provided for.
One objection to Falconhurst was the absence of any spring close
by, so that the boys were obliged to bring water daily from the
stream; and this involving no little trouble, it was proposed that we
should carry the water by pipes from the stream to our present
residence. A dam had to be thrown across the river some way up
stream, that the water might be raised to a sufficient height to run
to Falconhurst. From the reservoir thus made we led the water down
by pipes into the turtle's shell, which we placed near our dwelling,
and from which the superfluous water flowed off through the hole
made in it by Fritz's harpoon. This was an immense convenience,
and we formally inaugurated the trough by washing therein a whole
sack of potatoes. Thus day after day brought its own work, and day
after day saw that work completed. We had no time to be idle, or to
lament our separation from our fellow creatures.
One morning, as we were completing our spiral staircase, and
giving it such finish as we were capable of, we were suddenly
alarmed by hearing a most terrific noise, the roaring or bellowing of
a wild beast; so strange a sound was it, that I could not imagine by
what animal it was uttered.
Jack thought it perhaps a lion, Fritz hazarded a gorilla, while
Ernest gave it as his opinion, and I thought it possible that he was
right, that it was a hyena.
"Whatever it is," said I, "we must prepare to receive it; up with
you all to the nest while I secure the door."
Then arming the dogs with their collars, I sent them out to protect
the animals below, closed the door, and joined my family. Every gun
was loaded, every eye was upon the watch. The sound drew nearer,
and then all was still; nothing was to be seen. I determined to
descend and reconnoiter, and Fritz and I carefully crept down; with
our guns at full cock we glided among the trees; noiselessly and
quickly we pushed on further and further; suddenly, close by, we
heard the terrific sound again. Fritz raised his gun, but almost as
quickly again dropped it, and burst into a hearty fit of laughter.
There was no mistaking those dulcet tones—he-haw, he-haw, he-
haw—resounded through the forest, and our ass, braying his
approach right merrily, appeared in sight. To our surprise, however,
our friend was not alone: behind him trotted another animal, an ass
no doubt, but slim and graceful as a horse. We watched their
movements anxiously.
"Fritz," I whispered, "that is an onager. Creep back to Falconhurst
and bring me a piece of cord—quietly now!"
While he was gone, I cut a bamboo and split it half-way down to
form a pair of pincers, which I knew would be of use to me should I
get near the animal. Fritz soon returned with the cord, and I was
glad to observe also brought some oats and salt. We made one end
of the cord fast to a tree, and at the other end made a running
noose. Silently we watched the animals as they approached, quietly
browsing; Fritz then arose, holding in one hand the noose and in the
other some oats and salt. The ass, seeing his favorite food thus held
out, advanced to take it; Fritz allowed him to do so, and he was
soon munching contentedly. The stranger, on seeing Fritz, started
back; but finding her companion show no signs of alarm, was
reassured, and soon approached sniffing, and was about to take
some of the tempting food. In a moment the noose left Fritz's adroit
hand and fell round her neck; with a single bound she sprang
backward the full length of the cord, the noose drew tight, and she
fell to the earth half strangled. I at once ran up, loosened the rope,
and replaced it by a halter; and placing the pincers upon her nose,
secured her by two cords fastened between two trees, and then left
her to recover herself.
Every one hastened up to examine the beautiful animal as she
rose to the ground and cast fiery glances around. She lashed out
with her heels on every side; and, giving vent to angry snorts,
struggled violently to get free. All her endeavors were vain: the
cords were stout, and after a while she quieted down and stood
exhausted and quivering. I then approached: she suffered me to
lead her to the roots of our tree, which for the present formed our
stables, and there I tied her up close to the donkey, who was
likewise prevented from playing truant.
Next morning I found the onager after her night's rest as wild as
ever, and as I looked at the handsome creature I almost despaired
of ever taming her proud spirit. Every expedient was tried, and at
length, when the animal was subdued by hunger, I thought I might
venture to mount her; and having given her the strongest curb and
shackled her feet I attempted to do so. She was as unruly as ever,
and as a last expedient I resolved to adopt a plan which, though
cruel, was I knew attended with wonderful success by the American
Indians, by whom it is practiced. Watching a favorable opportunity, I
sprang upon the onager's back, and seizing her long ear in my teeth,
in spite of her kicking and plunging, bit it through. The result was
marvelous, the animal ceased plunging, and, quivering violently,
stood stock still. From that moment we were her masters, the
children mounted her one after the other, and she carried them
obediently and quietly. Proud, indeed, did I feel as I watched this
animal, which naturalists and travelers have declared to be beyond
the power of man to tame, guided hither and thither by my
youngest son.
Additions to our poultry yard reminded me of the necessity of
providing some substantial shelter for our animals before the rainy
season came on; three broods of chickens had been successfully
hatched, and the little creatures, forty in all, were my wife's pride
and delight. We began by making a roof over the vaulted roots of
our tree, forming the framework of bamboo canes, which we laid
close together and bound tightly down; others we fixed below as
supports. The interstices were filled up with clay and moss; and
coating the whole over with a mixture of tar and lime-water, we
obtained a firm balcony, and a capital roof impervious to the
severest fall of rain. I ran a light rail round the balcony to give it a
more ornamental appearance, and below divided the building into
several compartments. Stables, poultry yard, hay and provision lofts,
dairy, kitchen, larder, and dining-hall were united under one roof.
Our winter quarters were now completed, and we had but to store
them with food. Day after day we worked, bringing in provisions of
every description.
As we were one evening returning from gathering potatoes, it
struck me that we should take in a store of acorns; and sending the
two younger boys home with their mother and the cart, I took a
large canvas bag, and with Fritz and Ernest, the former mounted on
his onager, and the latter carrying his little favorite, Knips, made a
detour toward the Acorn Wood.
We reached the spot, tied Lightfoot to a neighboring tree, and
began rapidly to fill the sack. As we were thus engaged, Knips
sprang suddenly into a bush close by, from which, a moment
afterward, issued such strange cries that Ernest followed to see what
could be the matter.
"Come!" he shouted; "come and help me! I've got a couple of
birds and their eggs. Quick! Ruffed grouse!"
We hurried to the spot. There was Ernest with a fluttering,
screaming bird in either hand; while, with his foot, he was
endeavoring to prevent his greedy little monkey from seizing the
eggs. We quickly tied the legs of the birds, and removing the eggs
from the nest, placed them in Ernest's hat; while he gathered some
of the long, broad grass, with which the nest was woven, and which
grew luxuriantly around, for Franz to play at sword-drill with. We
then loaded the onager with the acorns, and moved homeward. The
eggs I covered carefully with dry moss, that they might be kept
warm, and as soon as possible I handed them over to my wife, who
managed the mother so cleverly that she induced her to return to
the eggs, and in a few days, to our great delight, we had fifteen
beautiful little Canadian chicks.
Franz was greatly pleased with the "swords" his brother brought
him; but having no small companion on whom to exercise his valor,
he amused himself for a short time in hewing down imaginary foes,
and then cut the reeds in slips, and plaited them to form a whip for
Lightfoot. The leaves seemed so pliable and strong that I examined
them to see to what further use they might be put. Their tissue was
composed of long silky fibers. A sudden thought struck me—this
must be New Zealand flax. I could not rest till I had announced this
invaluable discovery to my wife. She was no less delighted than I
was.
"Bring me the leaves!" she exclaimed. "Oh, what a delightful
discovery! No one shall now be clothed in rags; just make me a
spindle, and you shall soon have shirts and stockings and trousers,
all good homespun! Quick, Fritz, and bring your mother more
leaves!"
We could not help smiling at her eager zeal; but Fritz and Ernest
sprang on their steeds, and soon the onager and buffalo were
galloping home again, each laden with a great bundle of flax. The
boys dismounted and deposited their offering at their mother's feet.
"Capital!" she exclaimed. "I shall now show you that I am not at
all behindhand in ingenuity. This must be retted, carded, spun, and
woven, and then with scissors, needle, and thread I will make you
any article of clothing you choose."
We decided that Flamingo Marsh would be the best spot for the
operation of steeping or "retting" the flax, and next morning we set
out thither with the cart drawn by the ass, and laden with the
bundles, between which sat Franz and Knips, while the rest of us
followed with spades and hatchets. I described to my boys as we
went along the process of retting, and explained to them how
steeping the flax leaves destroys the useless membrane, while the
strong fibers remain.
As we were employed in making beds for the flax and placing it in
them, we observed several nests of the flamingo. These are most
curiously and skillfully made of glutinous clay, so strong that they
can neither be overturned nor washed away. They are formed in the
shape of blunted cones, and placed point downward; at the upper
and broader end is built a little platform to contain the eggs, on
which the female bird sits, with her long legs in the water on either
side, until the little birds are hatched and can take to the water. For
a fortnight we left the flax to steep, and then taking it out and
drying it thoroughly in the sun, stored it for future use at
Falconhurst.
Daily did we load our cart with provisions to be brought to our
winter quarters: manioc, potatoes, cocoanuts, sweet acorns, sugar-
canes, were all collected and stored in abundance—for grumbling
thunder, lowering skies, and sharp showers warned us that we had
no time to lose. Our corn was sowed, our animals housed, our
provisions stored, when down came the rain.
To continue in our nest we found impossible, and we were obliged
to retreat to the trunk, where we carried such of our domestic
furniture as might have been injured by the damp. Our dwelling was
indeed crowded: the animals and provisions were below, and our
beds and household goods around us, hemmed us in on every side;
by dint of patience and better packing, we obtained sufficient room
to work and lie down in; by degrees, too, we became accustomed to
the continual noise of the animals and the smell of the stables. The
smoke from the fire, which we were occasionally obliged to light,
was not agreeable; but in time even that seemed to become more
bearable.
To make more space, we turned such animals as we had captured,
and who therefore might be imagined to know how to shift for
themselves, outside during the daytime, bringing them under the
arched roofs only at night. To perform this duty Fritz and I used to
sally forth every evening, and as regularly every evening did we
return soaked to the skin. To obviate this, the mother, who feared
these continual wettings might injure our health, contrived
waterproofs: she brushed on several layers of caoutchouc over stout
shirts, to which she attached hoods; she then fixed to these duck
trousers, and thus prepared for each of us a complete waterproof
suit, clad in which we might brave the severest rain.
In spite of our endeavors to keep ourselves busy, the time
dragged heavily. Our mornings were occupied in tending the
animals; the boys amused themselves with their pets, and assisted
me in the manufacture of carding-combs and a spindle for the
mother. The combs I made with nails, which I placed head
downward on a sheet of tin about an inch wide; holding the nails in
their proper position I poured solder round their heads to fix them to
the tin, which I then folded down on either side of them to keep
them perfectly firm. In the evening, when our room was illuminated
with wax candles, I wrote a journal of all the events which had
occurred since our arrival in this foreign land; and, while the mother
was busy with her needle and Ernest making sketches of birds,
beasts, and flowers with which he had met during the past months,
Fritz and Jack taught little Franz to read.
Week after week rolled by. Week after week saw us still close
prisoners. Incessant rain battered down above us; constant gloom
hung over the desolate scene.
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solutions Manual
CHAPTER IX.
Spring again—We begin to hew a cave—Jack makes a discovery—We drive the foul
air from the cavern—The mother and her boys join us—We explore the cave—
Fit it up as our winter quarters—The herring-bank—We catch seals—Fishing
on a grand scale—Isinglass and caviare—We visit our plantations—An
expedition to establish a colony—The building of "Woodlands"—Jack and Fritz
return to Falconhurst for provisions—Ernest and I explore—A "beast with a
bill"—We build a canoe—Franz undertakes the education of Grumble—We
continue our work at the cave—Carpet making—Thanksgiving-day—A startling
salute—Athletics and shooting—Prize giving—Manufacture of birdlime—Fritz
and Jack ride off for caoutchouc—Shoot a crane and badger—Find
"Woodlands" turned upside down by monkeys—Discover ginseng.
The winds at length were lulled, the sun shot his brilliant rays
through the riven clouds, the rain ceased to fall—spring had come.
No prisoners set at liberty could have felt more joy than we did as
we stepped forth from our winter abode, refreshed our eyes with the
pleasant verdure around us, and our ears with the merry songs of a
thousand happy birds, and drank in the pure, balmy air of spring.
Our plantations were thriving vigorously. The seed we had sown
was shooting through the moist earth. All nature was refreshed.
Our nest was our first care; filled with leaves and broken and torn
by the wind, it looked indeed dilapidated. We worked hard, and in a
few days it was again inhabitable. My wife begged that I would now
start her with the flax, and as early as possible I built a drying-oven,
and then prepared it for her use; I also, after some trouble,
manufactured a beetle-reel and spinning-wheel, and she and Franz
were soon hard at work, the little boy reeling off the thread his
mother spun.
I was anxious to visit Tentholm, for I feared that much of our
precious stores might have suffered. Fritz and I made an excursion
thither. The damage done to Falconhurst was as nothing compared
to the scene that awaited us. The tent was blown to the ground, the
canvas torn to rags, the provisions soaked, and two casks of powder
utterly destroyed. We immediately spread such things as we hoped
yet to preserve in the sun to dry. The pinnace was safe, but our
faithful tub-boat was dashed in pieces, and the irreparable damage
we had sustained made me resolve to contrive some safer and more
stable winter-quarters before the arrival of the next rainy season.
Fritz proposed that we should hollow out a cave in the rock, and
though the difficulties such an undertaking would present appeared
almost insurmountable, I yet determined to make the attempt; we
might not, I thought, hew out a cavern of sufficient size to serve as
a room, but we might at least make a cellar for the more valuable
and perishable of our stores.
Some days afterward we left Falconhurst with the cart laden with
a cargo of spades, hammers, chisels, pickaxes, and crowbars, and
began our undertaking. On the smooth face of the perpendicular
rock I drew out in chalk the size of the proposed entrance, and then,
with minds bent on success, we battered away. Six days of hard and
incessant toil made but little impression; I do not think that the hole
would have been a satisfactory shelter for even Master Knips; but
we still did not despair, and were presently rewarded by coming to
softer and more yielding substance; our work progressed, and our
minds were relieved.
On the tenth day, as our persevering blows were falling heavily,
Jack, who was working diligently with a hammer and crowbar,
shouted:
"Gone, father! Fritz, my bar has gone through the mountain!"
"Run around and get it," laughed Fritz; "perhaps it has dropped
into Europe—you must not lose a good crowbar."
"But, really, it is through; it went right through the rock; I heard it
crash down inside. Oh, do come and see!" he shouted excitedly.
We sprang to his side, and I thrust the handle of my hammer into
the hole he spoke of; it met with no opposition, I could turn it in any
direction I chose. Fritz handed me a long pole; I tried the depth with
that. Nothing could I feel. A thin wall, then, was all that intervened
between us and a great cavern.
With a shout of joy, the boys battered vigorously at the rock; piece
by piece fell, and soon the hole was large enough for us to enter. I
stepped near the aperture, and was about to make a further
examination, when a sudden rush of poisonous air turned me giddy,
and shouting to my sons to stand off, I leaned against the rock.
When I came to myself I explained to them the danger of
approaching any cavern or other place where the air has for a long
time been stagnant. "Unless air is incessantly renewed it becomes
vitiated," I said, "and fatal to those who breathe it. The safest way
of restoring it to its original state is to subject it to the action of fire,
a few handfuls of blazing hay thrown into this hole may, if the place
is small, sufficiently purify the air within to allow us to enter without
danger." We tried the experiment. The flame was extinguished the
instant it entered. Though bundles of blazing grass were thrown in,
no difference was made.
I saw that we must apply some more efficacious remedy, and sent
the boys for a chest of signal rockets we had brought from the
wreck. We let fly some dozens of these fiery serpents, which went
whizzing in, and disappeared at apparently a vast distance from us.
Some flew like radiant meteors round, lighted up the mighty
circumference and displayed, as by a magician's wand, a sparkling,
glittering roof. They looked like avenging dragons driving a foul,
malignant fiend out of a beauteous palace.
We waited for a little while after these experiments, and I then
again threw in lighted hay. It burned clearly; the air was purified.
Fritz and I enlarged the opening, while Jack, springing on his
buffalo, thundered away to Falconhurst to bear the great and
astonishing news to his mother.
Great must have been the effect of Jack's eloquence on those at
home, for the timbers of the bridge were soon again resounding
under the swift but heavy tramp of his steed; and he was quickly
followed by the rest of our party in the cart.
All were in the highest state of excitement. Jack had stowed in the
cart all the candles he could find, and we now, lighting these,
shouldered our arms and entered. I led the way, sounding the
ground as I advanced with a long pole, that we might not fall
unexpectedly into any great hole or chasm. Silently we marched—
the mother, the boys, and even the dogs seeming overawed with the
grandeur and beauty of the scene. We were in a grotto of diamonds
—a vast cave of glittering crystal: the candles reflected on the walls
a golden light, bright as the stars of heaven, while great crystal
pillars rose from the floor like mighty trees, mingling their branches
high above us and drooping in hundreds of stalactites, which
sparkled and glittered with all the colors of the rainbow.
The floor of this magnificent palace was formed of hard, dry sand,
so dry that I saw at once that we might safely take up our abode
therein, without the slightest fear of danger from damp.
From the appearance of the brilliant crystals round about us I
suspected their nature.
I tasted a piece. This was a cavern of rock salt. There was no
doubt about it—here was an unlimited supply of the best and purest
salt! But one thing detracted from my entire satisfaction and delight
—large crystals lay scattered here and there, which, detached from
the roof, had fallen to the ground; this, if apt to recur, would keep us
in constant peril. I examined some of the masses and discovered
that they had been all recently separated, and therefore concluded
that the concussion of the air occasioned by the rockets had caused
their fall. To satisfy ourselves, however, that there were no more
pieces tottering above us, we discharged our guns from the
entrance, and watched the effect. Nothing more fell—our
magnificent abode was safe.
We returned to Falconhurst with minds full of wonder at our new
discovery, and plans for turning it to the best possible advantage.
Nothing was now talked of but the new house, how it should be
arranged, how it should be fitted up. The safety and comfort of
Falconhurst, which had at first seemed so great, now dwindled away
in our opinion to nothing; it should be kept up, we decided, merely
as a summer residence, while our cave should be formed into a
winter house and impregnable castle. Our attention was now fully
occupied with this new house. Light and air were to be admitted, so
we hewed a row of windows in the rock, where we fitted the window
cases we had brought from the officers' cabins. We brought the
door, too, from Falconhurst, and fitted it in the aperture we had
made. The opening in the trunk of the tree I determined to conceal
with bark, as less likely to attract the notice of wild beasts or
savages should they approach during our absence. The cave itself
we divided into four parts: in front, a large compartment into which
the door opened, subdivided into our sitting, eating, and sleeping
apartments; the right-hand division containing our kitchen and
workshop, and the left our stables; behind all this, in the dark
recesses of the cave, was our storehouse and powder-magazine.
Having already undergone one rainy season, we knew well its
discomforts, and thought of many useful arrangements in the laying
out of our dwelling. We did not intend to be again smoke-dried; we
therefore contrived a properly built fire place and chimney; our
stable arrangements, too, were better, and plenty of space was left
in our workshop that we should not be hampered in even the most
extensive operations.
Our frequent residence at Tentholm revealed to us several
important advantages which we had not foreseen. Numbers of
splendid turtles often came ashore to deposit their eggs in the sand,
and their delicious flesh afforded us many a sumptuous meal. When
more than one of these creatures appeared at a time, we used to
cut off their retreat to the sea, and, turning them on their backs,
fasten them to a stake driven in close by the water's edge, by a cord
passed through a hole in their shell. We thus had fresh turtle
continually within our reach; for the animals throve well thus
secured, and appeared in as good condition, after having been kept
thus for several weeks, as others when freshly caught. Lobsters,
crabs, and mussels also abounded on the shore. But this was not all;
an additional surprise awaited us.
As we were one morning approaching Tentholm, we were
attracted by a most curious phenomenon. The waters out at sea
appeared agitated by some unseen movement, and as they heaved
and boiled, their surface, struck by the beams of the morning sun,
seemed illuminated by flashes of fire. Over the water where this
disturbance was taking place hovered hundreds of birds, screaming
loudly, which ever and anon would dart downward, some plunging
beneath the water, some skimming the surface. Then again they
would rise and resume their harsh cries. The shining, sparkling mass
then rolled onward, and approached in a direct line our bay, followed
by the feathered flock above. We hurried down to the shore to
further examine this strange sight.
I was convinced as we approached that it was a shoal or bank of
herrings.
No sooner did I give utterance to my conjecture than I was
assailed by a host of questions concerning this herring-bank, what it
was, and what occasioned it.
"A herring-bank," I said, "is composed of an immense number of
herrings swimming together. I can scarcely express to you the huge
size of this living bank, which extends over a great area many
fathoms deep. It is followed by numbers of great ravenous fish, who
devour quantities of the herrings, while above hover birds, as you
have just seen, ready to pounce down on stragglers near the top. To
escape these enemies, the shoal makes for the nearest shore, and
seeks safety in those shallows where the large fish cannot follow.
But here it meets with a third great enemy. It may escape from the
fish, and elude the vigilance of sharp-sighted birds, but from the
ingenuity of man it can find no escape. In one year millions of these
fish are caught, and yet the roes of only a small number would be
sufficient to supply as many fish again."
Soon our fishery was in operation. Jack and Fritz stood in the
water with baskets, and baled out the fish, as one bales water with a
bucket, throwing them to us on the shore. As quickly as possible we
cleaned them, and placed them in casks with salt, first a layer of
salt, and then a layer of herrings, and so on, until we had ready
many casks of pickled fish.
As the barrels were filled, we closed them carefully, and rolled
them away to the cool vaults at the back of our cave.
Our good fortune, however, was not to end here. A day after the
herring fishery was over, and the shoal had left our bay, a great
number of seals appeared, attracted by the refuse of the herrings
which we had thrown into the sea. Though I feared they would not
be suitable for our table, we yet secured a score or two for the sake
of their skins and fat. The skins we drew carefully off for harness
and clothing, and the fat we boiled down for oil, which we put aside
in casks for tanning, soap-making, and burning in lamps.
These occupations interfered for some time with our work at Rock
House; but as soon as possible we again returned to our labor with
renewed vigor.
I had noticed that the salt crystals had for their base a species of
gypsum, which I knew might be made of great service to us in our
building operations as plaster.
As an experiment, I broke off some pieces, and, after subjecting
them to great heat, reduced them to powder. The plaster this
formed with water was smooth and white, and as I had then no
Welcome to our website – the ideal destination for book lovers and
knowledge seekers. With a mission to inspire endlessly, we offer a
vast collection of books, ranging from classic literary works to
specialized publications, self-development books, and children's
literature. Each book is a new journey of discovery, expanding
knowledge and enriching the soul of the reade
Our website is not just a platform for buying books, but a bridge
connecting readers to the timeless values of culture and wisdom. With
an elegant, user-friendly interface and an intelligent search system,
we are committed to providing a quick and convenient shopping
experience. Additionally, our special promotions and home delivery
services ensure that you save time and fully enjoy the joy of reading.
Let us accompany you on the journey of exploring knowledge and
personal growth!
testbankdeal.com

More Related Content

PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...
Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solu...

Similar to Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solutions Manual (20)

PPTX
CONTROL & AUDIT INFORMATION SYSTEM (HALL, 2015)
PDF
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
PPTX
Overview-of-an-IT-Audit-Lesson-1.pptx
PPTX
CONTROL AND AUDIT
PDF
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
PDF
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
PDF
Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd Edition Turner Solution...
PDF
audit_it_250759.pdf
PPT
3 2006 06 cs6 4 gait principles v3a
PPT
James hall ch 15
PDF
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
PDF
Information systems and its components iii
PPTX
CAAT ppt.pptx (Computer Asstt. Technique)
PPT
Computerized Environment
DOCX
· Processed on 09-Dec-2014 901 PM CST · ID 488406360 · Word .docx
PDF
Internal audit ratings guide
DOCX
Running head AUDITING INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROCESS .docx
DOCX
Information 2nd lesson
PDF
Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd Edition Turner Solution...
PDF
Solution Manual for Information Technology Auditing 3rd Edition by Hall
CONTROL & AUDIT INFORMATION SYSTEM (HALL, 2015)
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
Overview-of-an-IT-Audit-Lesson-1.pptx
CONTROL AND AUDIT
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd Edition Turner Solution...
audit_it_250759.pdf
3 2006 06 cs6 4 gait principles v3a
James hall ch 15
Modern Auditing Assurance Services and the Integrity of Financial Reporting 8...
Information systems and its components iii
CAAT ppt.pptx (Computer Asstt. Technique)
Computerized Environment
· Processed on 09-Dec-2014 901 PM CST · ID 488406360 · Word .docx
Internal audit ratings guide
Running head AUDITING INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROCESS .docx
Information 2nd lesson
Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd Edition Turner Solution...
Solution Manual for Information Technology Auditing 3rd Edition by Hall
Ad

Recently uploaded (20)

PDF
Chinmaya Tiranga quiz Grand Finale.pdf
PPTX
Introduction-to-Literarature-and-Literary-Studies-week-Prelim-coverage.pptx
PDF
OBE - B.A.(HON'S) IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE -Ar.MOHIUDDIN.pdf
PDF
Yogi Goddess Pres Conference Studio Updates
PPTX
Radiologic_Anatomy_of_the_Brachial_plexus [final].pptx
PDF
LDMMIA Reiki Yoga Finals Review Spring Summer
PPTX
Cell Types and Its function , kingdom of life
PDF
Weekly quiz Compilation Jan -July 25.pdf
PPTX
UNIT III MENTAL HEALTH NURSING ASSESSMENT
PPTX
Final Presentation General Medicine 03-08-2024.pptx
PDF
Microbial disease of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
PDF
RTP_AR_KS1_Tutor's Guide_English [FOR REPRODUCTION].pdf
PDF
Classroom Observation Tools for Teachers
PDF
2.FourierTransform-ShortQuestionswithAnswers.pdf
PDF
grade 11-chemistry_fetena_net_5883.pdf teacher guide for all student
PPTX
Orientation - ARALprogram of Deped to the Parents.pptx
PPTX
1st Inaugural Professorial Lecture held on 19th February 2020 (Governance and...
PDF
Paper A Mock Exam 9_ Attempt review.pdf.
PDF
Chapter 2 Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth.pdf
PDF
01-Introduction-to-Information-Management.pdf
Chinmaya Tiranga quiz Grand Finale.pdf
Introduction-to-Literarature-and-Literary-Studies-week-Prelim-coverage.pptx
OBE - B.A.(HON'S) IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE -Ar.MOHIUDDIN.pdf
Yogi Goddess Pres Conference Studio Updates
Radiologic_Anatomy_of_the_Brachial_plexus [final].pptx
LDMMIA Reiki Yoga Finals Review Spring Summer
Cell Types and Its function , kingdom of life
Weekly quiz Compilation Jan -July 25.pdf
UNIT III MENTAL HEALTH NURSING ASSESSMENT
Final Presentation General Medicine 03-08-2024.pptx
Microbial disease of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
RTP_AR_KS1_Tutor's Guide_English [FOR REPRODUCTION].pdf
Classroom Observation Tools for Teachers
2.FourierTransform-ShortQuestionswithAnswers.pdf
grade 11-chemistry_fetena_net_5883.pdf teacher guide for all student
Orientation - ARALprogram of Deped to the Parents.pptx
1st Inaugural Professorial Lecture held on 19th February 2020 (Governance and...
Paper A Mock Exam 9_ Attempt review.pdf.
Chapter 2 Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth.pdf
01-Introduction-to-Information-Management.pdf
Ad

Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solutions Manual

  • 1. Visit https://testbankdeal.com to download the full version and explore more testbank or solutions manual Accounting Information Systems The Processes Controls 2nd Edition Turner Solutions Manual _____ Click the link below to download _____ https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information- systems-the-processes-controls-2nd-edition-turner-solutions- manual/ Explore and download more testbank or solutions manual at testbankdeal.com
  • 2. Here are some recommended products that we believe you will be interested in. You can click the link to download. Accounting Information Systems The Processes and Controls 2nd Edition Turner Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-systems-the- processes-and-controls-2nd-edition-turner-test-bank/ Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd Edition Turner Solutions Manual https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-systems- controls-processes-3rd-edition-turner-solutions-manual/ Accounting Information Systems Controls Processes 3rd Edition Turner Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/accounting-information-systems- controls-processes-3rd-edition-turner-test-bank/ Chemistry The Central Science 14th Edition Brown Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/chemistry-the-central-science-14th- edition-brown-test-bank/
  • 3. Our Social World 4th Edition Ballantine Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/our-social-world-4th-edition- ballantine-test-bank/ Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice 2nd Edition Lilley Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/pharmacology-for-canadian-health- care-practice-2nd-edition-lilley-test-bank/ Consumer Behavior 12th Edition Schiffman Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/consumer-behavior-12th-edition- schiffman-test-bank/ Basic Biomechanics 7th Edition Hall Test Bank https://testbankdeal.com/product/basic-biomechanics-7th-edition-hall- test-bank/ Finance Applications and Theory 3rd Edition Cornett Solutions Manual https://testbankdeal.com/product/finance-applications-and-theory-3rd- edition-cornett-solutions-manual/
  • 4. Financial Algebra Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications 1st Edition Gerver Solutions Manual https://testbankdeal.com/product/financial-algebra-advanced-algebra- with-financial-applications-1st-edition-gerver-solutions-manual/
  • 5. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes Turner/Accounting Information Systems, 2e Solutions Manual Chapter 7 Concept Check 1. b 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. b 6. a 7. c 8. b 9. d 10.a 11.a 12.c 13.c 14.d 15.c 16.a 17.c 18.a 19.a 20.c 21.d Discussion Questions 22.(SO 1) What are assurance services? What value do assurance services provide? Assurance services are accounting services that improve the quality of information. Many services performed by accountants are valued because they lend credibility to financial information. 23.(SO 2) Differentiate between a compliance audit and an operational audit. A compliance audit is a form of assurance service that involves accumulating and analyzing information to determine whether a company has complied with regulations and policies established by contractual agreements, governmental agencies, company management, or other high authority. Operational audits assess operating policies and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • 6. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes 24.(SO 2) Which type of audit is most likely to be performed by government auditors? Which type of audit is most likely to be performed by internal auditors? Governmental auditors are most likely to perform compliance audits, and internal auditors are most likely to perform operational audits. 25.(SO 2) Identify the three areas of an auditor’s work that are significantly impacted by the presence of IT accounting systems. The IT environment plays a key role in how auditors conduct their work in the following areas: • consideration of risk • determination of audit procedures to be used to obtain knowledge of the accounting and internal control systems • design and performance of audit tests. 26.(SO 3) Describe the three causes of information risk. Information risk is caused by: • Remote information; for instance, when the source of information is removed from the decision maker, it stands a greater chance of being misstated. • Large volumes of information or complex information. • Variations in viewpoints or incentives of the preparer. 27.(SO 3) Explain how an audit trail might get “lost” within a computerized system. Loss of an audit trail occurs when there is a lack of physical evidence to view in support of a transaction. This may occur when the details of accounting transactions are entered directly into the computer system, with no supporting paper documents. If there is a system failure, database destruction, unauthorized access, or environmental damage, the information processed under such a system may be lost or altered. 28.(SO 3) Explain how the presence of IT processes can improve the quality of information that management uses for decision making. IT processes tend to provide information in a timely and efficient manner. This enhances management’s ability to make effective decisions, which is the essence of quality of information. 29.(SO 4) Distinguish among the focuses of the GAAS standards of fieldwork and standards of reporting. The standards of fieldwork provide general guidelines for performing the audit. They address the importance of planning and supervision, understanding internal controls, and evidence accumulation. The standards of reporting address the auditor’s requirements for communicating the audit results in writing, including the reference to GAAP, consistency, adequate disclosures, and the expression of an overall opinion on the fairness of financial statements. 30.(SO 4) Which professional standard-setting organization provides guidance on the conduct of an IT audit? The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) is responsible for issuing Information Systems Auditing Standards (ISASs), which provide guidelines for conducting an IT audit. 31.(SO 5) If management is responsible for its own financial statements, why are auditors important? Auditors are important because they are responsible for analyzing financial statements to decide whether they are fairly stated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Since the financial statements are prepared by managers of the company, the role of auditors is to reduce information risk associated with those financial statements. To accomplish this, auditors design tests to analyze information supporting the financial statements in order to determine whether management’s assertions are valid.
  • 7. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes 32.(SO 6) List the techniques used for gathering evidence. The techniques used for gathering evidence include the following: • physically examining or inspecting assets or supporting documentation • obtaining written confirmation from an independent source • rechecking or recalculating information • observing activities • making inquiries of company personnel • analyzing financial relationships and making comparisons to determine reasonableness 33.(SO 6) During which phase of an audit would an auditor consider risk assessment and materiality? Risk assessment and materiality are considered during the planning phase of an audit. 34.(SO 7) Distinguish between auditing through the computer and auditing with the computer. When are auditors required to audit through the computer as opposed to auditing around the computer? Auditing through the computer involves directly testing internal controls within the IT system, which requires the auditors to understand the computer system logic. Auditing through the computer is necessary when the auditor wants to test computer controls as a basis for evaluating risk and reducing the amount of audit testing required, and when supporting documents are available only in electronic form. Auditing with the computer involves auditors using their own systems, software, and computer-assisted audit techniques to help conduct an audit. 35.(SO 8) Explain why it is customary to complete the testing of general controls before testing application controls. Since general controls are the automated controls that affect all computer applications, the reliability of general controls must be established before application controls are tested. The effectiveness of general controls is considered the foundation for the IT control environment. If there are problems with the effectiveness of general controls, auditors will not devote attention to the testing of application controls; rather, they will reevaluate the audit approach with reduced reliance on controls. 36.(SO 8) Identify four important aspects of administrative control in an IT environment. Four important aspects of administrative control include: • personal accountability and segregation of incompatible responsibilities • job descriptions and clear lines of authority • computer security and virus protection • IT systems documentation 37.(SO 8) Explain why Benford’s Law is useful to auditors in the detection of fraud. Benford’s Law recognizes nonuniform patterns in the frequency of numbers occurring in a list, so it is useful to auditors in the identification of fabricated data within account balances such as sales, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash disbursements, income taxes, etc. If fraudulent data are presented, they would not likely follow the natural distribution that Benford’s Law sets forth. 38.(SO 8) Think about a place you have worked where computers were present. What are some physical and environmental controls that you have observed in the workplace? Provide at least two examples of each from your personal experience. Student’s responses are likely to vary greatly. Examples of physical controls may
  • 8. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes include card keys and configuration tables, as well as other physical security features such as locked doors, etc. Environmental controls may include temperature and humidity controls, fire, flood, earthquake controls, or measures to ensure a consistent power supply. 39.(SO 8) Batch totals and hash totals are common input controls. Considering the fact that hash totals can be used with batch processing, differentiate between these two types of controls. Both batch totals and hash totals are mathematical sums of data that can be used to determine whether there may be missing data. However, batch totals are meaningful because they provide summations of dollar amounts or item counts for a journal entry used in the financial accounting system, whereas hash totals are not relevant to the financial accounting system (i.e., the hash totals are used only for their control purpose and have no other numerical significance). 40.(SO 8) The test data method and an integrated test facility are similar in that they are both tests of applications controls and they both rely on the use of test data. Explain the difference between these two audit techniques. The test data method tests the processing accuracy of software applications by using the company’s own computer system to process fictitious information developed by the auditors. The results of the test must be compared with predicted results. An integrated test facility also tests processing applications, but can accomplish this without disrupting the company’s operations. An integrated test facility inputs fictitious data along with the company’s actual data, and tests it using the client’s own computer system. The testing occurs simultaneously with the company’s actual transaction processing. 41.(SO 9) Explain the necessity for performing substantive testing even for audit clients with strong internal controls and sophisticated IT systems. Since substantive testing determines whether financial information is accurate, it is necessary for all financial statement audits. Control testing establishes whether the system promotes accuracy, while substantive testing verifies the monetary amounts of transactions and account balances. Even if controls are found to be effective, there still needs to be some testing to make sure that the amounts of transactions and account balances have actually been recorded fairly. 42.(SO 9) What kinds of audit tools are used to perform routine tests on electronic data files taken from databases? List the types of tests that can be performed with these tools. CPA firms use generalized audit software (GAS) or data analysis software (DAS) to perform audit tests on electronic data files taken from commonly used database systems. These tools help auditors perform routine testing in an efficient manner. The types of tests that can be performed using GAS or DAS include: • mathematical and statistical calculations • data queries • identification of missing items in a sequence • stratification and comparison of data items • selection of items of interest from the data files • summarization of testing results into a useful format for decision making 43.(SO 10) Which of the four types of audit reports is the most favorable for an audit client? Which is the least favorable? An unqualified audit report is the most favorable because it expresses reasonable assurance that the underlying financial statements are fairly stated in all material respects. On the other hand, an adverse
  • 9. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes opinion is the least favorable report because it indicates the presence of material misstatements in the underlying financial statements. 44.(SO 10) Why is it so important to obtain a letter of representations from an audit client? The letter of representations is so important because it is management’s acknowledgement of its primary responsibility for the fair presentation of the financial statements. In this letter, management must declare that it has provided complete and accurate information to its auditors during all phases of the audit. This serves as a significant piece of audit evidence. 45.(SO 11) How can auditors evaluate internal controls when their clients use IT outsourcing? When a company uses IT outsourcing, auditors must still evaluate internal controls. This may be accomplished by relying upon a third-party report from the independent auditor of the outsourcing center, or it can audit around the computer, or it can test controls at the outsourcing center. 46.(SO 12) An auditor’s characteristic of professional skepticism is most closely associated with which ethical principle of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct? Professional skepticism is most closely associated with the principle of Objectivity and Independence. Professional skepticism means that auditors should have a questioning mind and a persistent approach for evaluating financial information for the possibility of misstatements. This is closely related to the notion of objectivity and independence in its requirements for being free of conflicts of interest. Brief Exercises 47.(SO 2) Why is it necessary for a CPA to be prohibited from having financial or personal connections with a client? Provide an example of how a financial connection to a company would impair an auditor’s objectivity. Provide an example of how a personal relationship might impair an auditor’s objectivity. An auditor should not have any financial or personal connections with a client company because they could impair his/her objectivity. It would be difficult for an auditor to be free of bias if he/she were to have a financial or personal relationship with the company or one of its associates. For example, if an auditor owned stock in a client company, the auditor would stand to benefit financially if the company’s financial statements included and unqualified audit report, as this favorable opinion could lead to favorable results for the company such as paying a dividend, obtaining financing, etc. Additionally, if an auditor had a family member or other close personal relationship with someone who works for the company, the auditor’s independence may be impaired due to the knowledge that the family member or other person may be financially dependent upon the company or may have played a significant role in the preparation of the financial statements. 48.(SO 3) From an internal control perspective, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using IT-based accounting systems. The advantages of using IT- based accounting systems are the improvements in internal control due to the reduction of human error and increase in speed. The disadvantages include the loss of audit trail visibility, increased likelihood of lost or altered data, lack of segregation of duties, and fewer opportunities for authorization and review of transactions.
  • 10. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes 49.(SO 4) Explain why standards of fieldwork for GAAS are not particularly helpful to an auditor who is trying to determine the types of testing to be used on an audit engagement. GAAS provides a general framework that is not specific enough to provide specific guidance in the actual performance of an audit. For detailed guidance, auditors rely upon standards issued by the PCAOB, the ASB, the IAPC, and ISACA. 50.(SO 5) Ping and Pong are assigned to perform the audit of Paddle Company. During the audit, it was discovered that the amount of sales reported on Paddle’s income statement was understated because one week’s sales transactions were not recorded due to a computer glitch. Ping claims that this problem represents a violation of the management assertion regarding existence, because the reported account balance was not real. Pong argues that the completeness assertion was violated, because relevant data was omitted from the records. Which auditor is correct? Explain your answer. The completeness assertion is concerned with possible omissions from the accounting records and the related understatements of financial information; in other words, it asserts that all valid transactions have been recorded. Accordingly, Pong’s argument is correct. Ping’s argument is not correct because the existence assertion is concerned with the possibility of fictitious transactions and the related overstatements of financial information. 51.(SO 6) One of the most important tasks of the planning phase is for the auditor to gain an understanding of internal controls. How does this differ from the tasks performed during the tests of controls phase? During the planning phase of an audit, auditors must gain an understanding of internal controls in order to determine whether the controls can be relied upon as a basis for reducing the extent of substantive testing to be performed. Understanding of internal controls is the basis for the fundamental decision regarding the strategy of the audit. It also impacts the auditor’s risk assessment and establishment of materiality. During the tests of controls phase, the auditor goes beyond the understanding of the internal controls and actually evaluates the effectiveness of those controls. 52.(SO 8) How is it possible that a review of computer logs can be used to test for both internal access controls and external access controls? Other than reviewing the computer logs, identify and describe two types of audit procedures performed to test internal access controls, and two types of audit procedures performed to test external access controls. Internal access controls can be evaluated by reviewing computer logs for the existence of login failures or unusual activity, and to gauge access times for reasonableness in light of the types of tasks performed. Internal access controls can also be tested by reviewing the company’s policies regarding segregation of IT duties and other IT controls, and can test those controls to determine whether access is being limited in accordance with the company’s policies. In addition, auditors may perform authenticity testing to evaluate the authority tables and determine whether only authorized employees are provided access to IT systems. Computer logs can also be reviewed to evaluate external access controls, as the logs may identify unauthorized users and failed access attempts. External access controls may also be tested through authenticity tests, penetrations tests, and vulnerability assessments. Authenticity tests, as described above, determine
  • 11. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes whether access has been limited to those included in the company’s authority tables. Penetration tests involve the auditor trying to gain unauthorized access to the client’s system, by attempting to penetrate its firewall. Vulnerability assessments are tests aimed at identifying weak points in the company’s IT systems where unauthorized access may occur, such as through a firewall or due to problems in the encryption techniques. 53.(SO 9) Explain why continuous auditing is growing in popularity. Identify and describe a computer-assisted audit technique useful for continuous auditing. Continuous auditing has increased in popularity due to the increase in e-commerce. Real-time financial reporting has created the need for continuous auditing, whereby auditors continuously analyze evidence and provide assurance on the related financial information as soon as it occurs or shortly thereafter. The embedded audit module is a computer-assisted audit technique that accomplishes continuous auditing. The embedded audit module approach involves placing special audit testing programs within a company’s operating system. These test modules search the data and analyze transactions or account balances that meet specified conditions of interest to the auditor. 54.(SO 11) Distinguish between the various service organization controls (SOC) reporting options available to auditors who evaluate cloud computing service providers. The SOC 1 report addresses internal controls over financial reporting. A SOC 1Type I report contains management’s assessment and the auditor’s opinion on the operating design of internal controls over financial reporting. A SOC 1 Type II report is an extension of the Type I report in that it also evaluates the operating effectiveness of those internal controls. A SOC 2 report considers controls over compliance and operations, including the Trust Services Principles. Similar to SOC 1 reports, SOC 2 reporting options also allow for a Type I or Type II conclusion depending upon whether the auditor consider suitability of design or operating effectiveness of those controls, respectively. Finally, a SOC 3 report is an unaudited report that is available to the general public containing a CPA firm’s conclusion on the elements of the Trust Services Principles. Problems 55.(SO 4) Given is a list of standard-setting bodies and a description of their purpose. Match each standard-setting body with its purpose. I. c. II. a. III. d. IV. b. 56.(SO 8) Identify whether audit tests are used to evaluate internal access controls (I), external access controls (E), or both (B). • Authenticity tests (B) • Penetration tests (E) • Vulnerability assessments (E)
  • 12. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes • Review of access logs (B) • Review of policies concerning the issuance of passwords and security tokens (I) 57.(SO 9) Refer to the notes payable audit program excerpt presented in Exhibit 7-3. If an auditor had a copy of his client’s data file for its notes receivable, how could a general audit software or data analysis software package be used to assist with these audit tests? GAS and DAS could assist auditors in testing notes payable by performing mathematical calculations of interest amounts, stratification of amounts into current and long-term categories according to maturity dates, and performing ratio calculations as may be needed to assess compliance with restrictions. 58.(SO 11) In order to preserve auditor independence, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 restricts the types of nonaudit services that auditors can perform for their public- company audit clients. The list includes nine types of services that are prohibited because they are deemed to impair an auditor’s independence. Included in the list are the following: • financial information systems design and implementation • internal audit outsourcing Describe how an auditor’s independence could be impaired if she performed IT design and implementation functions for her audit client. Likewise, how could an auditor’s involvement with internal audit outsourcing impair her independence with respect to auditing the same company? Both of these scenarios would place the auditor in a position of auditing his/her own work. Auditors could not maintain independence if they are involved in both the IT design and implementation as well as the financial statement audit. To the extent that the IT system impacts financial reporting, an auditor could not possibly be unbiased with respect to a system that he/she had designed and implemented. Likewise, auditors are not likely to be unbiased with respect to performing a financial statement audit for the same company as he/she performed internal audit work. Any evaluations performed during the internal audit engagement are likely to have a bearing on the auditor’s professional attitude while performing the financial statement audit. 59.(SO 2) Visit the AICPA website at www.aicpa.org and select the tab for Career Paths. Click on “This Way to CPA” to locate information on audit careers. The AICPA website presents information on various career paths, including public accounting (audit, taxation, financial planning, etc.), business and industry, governmental accounting, not-for-profit accounting, education, and entrepreneurship. Some specialty areas include forensic accounting, environmental accounting, and showbiz accounting. 60.(SO 4, 9) Visit the ISACA website at www.isaca.org and click on the Knowledge Center tab, then select ITAF (Information Technology Assurance Framework) and click on the IT Audit Basics tab to find articles covering topics concerning the audit process. Locate an article on each of the following topics and answer the related question:
  • 13. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes a. Identify and briefly describe the four categories of CAATs used to support IT auditing. The four categories include1: • data analysis software, including GAS and DAS • Network security evaluation software/utilities • OS and DBMS security evaluation software/utilities • Software and code testing tools b. List three possible procedures to be performed by auditors who are evaluating controls pertaining to the backup and recovery of a client’s data. The three procedures include2: • Review or observe backup procedures • Review documentation of a successful restore within the period • Personally verify restoration when risk is high or when restoration is an audit objective. 61. (SO 8) Locate the stock tables for the two major stock exchanges in any issue of the Wall Street Journal. Beginning from any point within the table, prepare a list of the first digits of the daily volume for 100 stocks. Determine whether the listed numbers conform to Benford’s Law. Student responses will vary depending upon the timing of carrying out this requirement and the starting point used. However, students should determine whether the number 1 is represented as the first digit of the volume figures for approximately 33% of the items within the list. If so, then the data conform to Benford’s Law. 62.(SO 12) Perform an Internet search to determine the nature of Xerox Corporation’s management fraud scheme and to find out what happened to the company after the problems were discovered. Xerox’s fraud involved earnings management or manipulation of the financial statements in order to boost earnings. This occurred at Xerox to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars and involved various accounting tricks to hide the company’s true financial performance so that it would meet or beat Wall Street expectations. The most significant trick was the premature recording of revenues. Upon discovery of the fraud, the SEC filed a $10 million civil suit against Xerox, the largest fine in SEC history. In addition, Xerox had to restate its earnings from 1997 through 2001. Cases 63. Internal Controls and CAATs for a Wholesale client. a. What tests of controls would be effective in helping Draker determine whether Palitt’s vendor database was susceptible to fraud? The following tests of controls could be used: • Verify that the database is physically secure and that programs and data files are password protected to prevent unauthorized access. 1 “Using CAATs to Support IS Audit” by S. Anantha Sayana for Information Systems Control Journal, Vol. 1, 2003. 2 “What Every IT Auditor Should Know About Backup and Recovery” by Tommie W. Singleton for ISACA Journal, Vol, 6, 2011.
  • 14. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes Since this situation involves an internal breach of authority, access logs should be reviewed for activity at unusual times (non-business hours). • Make sure that system programmers do not have access to database operations so that there is no opportunity to alter source code and the related operational data. • Ascertain that database inputs are being compared with system- generated outputs. • Determine whether run-to-run totals are being generated and reviewed to evaluate the possibility of lost or altered data. • Ascertain that computer-generated reports are regularly reviewed by management. • Determine whether the client’s field checks, validity checks, and reasonableness checks are all working effectively. b. What computer-assisted audit technique would be effective in helping Draker determine whether Palitt’s vendor database had actually been falsified? Draker could use GAS or DAS to perform audit testing on electronic data files taken from Lea’s database system. Several types of audit tests commonly performed by GAS or DAS systems could be used in this case, including data queries, stratification and comparison of data items, and selection of items of interest. In addition, the following tests can be performed to test the propriety of inputs to the system: • Financial control totals can be used to determine whether total dollar amounts or item counts are consistent with journal entry amounts. This can detect whether additions have been made during processing. • Validation checks can be performed to scan entries for bogus information. Depending on the type of IT system, a validity check of the vendor number field may prevent the entry of fictitious vendors. • Field checks can be performed to identify unrecognized data. If the bogus transactions are being entered during processing, the auditor may use program tracing to evaluate program logic for possible points of entering fraudulent information. Run-to-run totals may also be used to determine whether data have been altered during processing. In addition, output controls such as reasonableness tests could be performed to review the output against authorized inputs, and/or audit trail tests could be performed to trace transactions through the system to determine if changes occurred along the way. 64. Issues with the client representation letter. a. Would it be appropriate for Pannor to reopen the audit testing phases in order to expand procedures, in light of the lack of representative evidence from management? Why or why not? No, Pannor should not expand testing procedures. The purpose of the client’s representations letter is for management to acknowledge its primary responsibility for the fair presentation of the financial statements and the accuracy of evidence provided to the auditors. It is considered the most significant piece of audit
  • 15. Chapter 7 Solutions Auditing Information Technology-Based Processes evidence. Obtaining additional evidence would not compensate for a failure to secure a letter of representations; in fact, it is likely that additional testing would be meaningless unless management represents that the evidence it supplies is accurate. b. Will Pannor’s firm still be able to issue an unqualified audit report if it does not receive the representations letter? Research the standard wording to be included in an unqualified audit report, as well as the typical wording included in a client representations letter. Base your answer on your findings. No, an unqualified report is no longer possible due to the failure to obtain written representations from management. This constitutes a limitation in the scope of the audit. Pannor’s firm may either withdraw from the engagement or issue a disclaimer. The standard wording for a client representations letter can be found in AU section 333. The standard wording for an unqualified audit report can be found in AU section 508.
  • 16. Another Random Scribd Document with Unrelated Content
  • 17. "Were cherries, father? May we not even call cherries Swiss? I always thought they grew nowhere else." "I am afraid we cannot even claim cherries as our own, not even the name of them; they are called cherries from Cerasus, a state of Pontus, in Asia, whence they were brought to Europe by Lucullus, a Roman general, about seventy years before Christ. Hazelnuts also came from Pontus; walnuts, again, came originally from Persia. As for grapes, they are of the greatest antiquity. We hear, if you remember, of Noah cultivating vines, and they have been brought from one place to another until they now are to be found in most parts of the civilized world." "Do you think all these trees will grow?" asked Fritz, as we crossed Jackal River and entered our plantation at Tentholm: "here are lemons, pomegranates, pistachio nuts, and mulberries." "I have little doubt of it," I replied, "we are evidently within the tropics, where such trees as these are sure to flourish. These pines, now, come from France, Spain, and Italy; the olives from Armenia and Palestine; the figs originally from the island of Chios; the peaches and apricots from Persia; plums from Damascus in Syria, and the pears of all sorts from Greece. However, if our countries have not been blessed in the same way with fruit, we have been given wisdom and skill, which has enabled us to import and cultivate the trees of other lands." We thus talked and worked until every tree that required treatment was provided with a stout bamboo prop, and then, with appetites which a gourmand might well have envied, we returned to Falconhurst. I think the good mother was almost alarmed at the way we fell upon the corned beef and palm-cabbage she set before us, but at length these good things produced the desired effect, and one after another declared himself satisfied. As we sat reclining after our labor and digesting our dinner, we discussed the various projects we had in contemplation. "I wish," said my wife, "that you would invent some other plan for climbing to the nest above us; I think that the
  • 18. nest itself is perfect—I really wish for nothing better, but I should like to be able to get to it without scaling that dreadful ladder every time; could you not make a flight of steps to reach it?" I carefully thought over the project, and turned over every plan for its accomplishment. "It would be impossible, I am afraid," said I, "to make stairs outside, but within the trunk it might be done. More than once have I thought that this trunk might be hollow, or partly so, and if such be the case our task would be comparatively easy. Did you not tell me the other day that you noticed bees coming from a hole in the tree?" "Oh, yes," said little Franz, "and I went to look at them and one flew right against my face and stung me, and I almost cried, but I didn't." "Brave little boy," said I. "Well, now, if the trunk be sufficiently hollow to contain a swarm of bees, it may be, for all we can tell, hollow the greater part of its length, for like the willow in our own country it might draw all its nourishment through the bark, and in spite of its real unsoundness retain a flourishing appearance." Master Jack, practical as usual, instantly sprang to his feet to put my conjecture to the proof. The rest followed his example, and they were all soon climbing about like squirrels, peeping into the hole, and tapping the wood to discover by sound how far down the cavity extended. They forgot, in their eagerness, who were the tenants of this interesting trunk. They were soon reminded of it, however, for the bees, disturbed by this unusual noise, with an angry buzz burst out, and in an instant attacked the causers of the annoyance; they swarmed round them, stung them on the hands, face, and neck, settled in their hair, and pursued them as they ran to me for assistance. It was with difficulty that we got rid of the angry insects and were able to attend to the boys. Jack, who had been the first to reach the hole, had fared the worst, and was soon a most pitiable
  • 19. sight, his face swelled to an extraordinary degree, and it was only by the constant application of cold earth that the pain was alleviated. They were all eager to commence an organized attack upon the bees at once, but for an hour or more, by reason of their pain, they were unable to render me much assistance. In the meanwhile I made my arrangements. I first took a large calabash gourd, for I intended to make a beehive, that, when we had driven the insects from their present abode, we might not lose them entirely. The lower half of the gourd I flattened, I then cut an arched opening in the front for a doorway, made a straw roof as a protection from the rain and heat, and the little house was complete. Nothing more, however, could then be done, for the irritated bees were still angrily buzzing round the tree. I waited till dark, and then, when all the bees had again returned to their trunk, with Fritz's assistance I carefully stopped up every hole in the tree with wet clay, that the bees might not issue forth next morning before we could begin operations. Very early were we up and at work. I first took a hollow cane, and inserted one end through the clay into the tree; down this tube with pipe and tobacco I smoked most furiously. The humming and buzzing that went on within was tremendous; the bees evidently could not understand what was going to happen. I finished my first pipeful, and putting my thumb over the end of the cane, I gave the pipe to Fritz to refill. He did so and I again smoked. The buzzing was now becoming less noisy, and was subsiding into a mere murmur. By the time I had finished this second pipe all was still; the bees were stupefied. "Now then, Fritz," said I, "quick, with a hammer and chisel, and stand here beside me." He was up in a moment, and, together, we cut a small door by the side of the hole; this door, however, we did not take out, but we left it attached by one corner that it might be removed at a moment's notice; then giving the bees a final dose of tobacco smoke, we opened it.
  • 20. Carefully but rapidly we removed the insects, as they clung in clusters to the sides of the tree, and placed them in the hive prepared for their reception. As rapidly I then took every atom of wax and honey from their storehouse, and put it in a cask I had made ready for the purpose. The bees were now safely removed from the trunk, but I could not tell whether, when they revived from their temporary stupor, they might not refuse to occupy the house with which I had presented them, and insist on returning to their old quarters. To prevent the possibility of this occurrence, I took a quantity of tobacco, and placing it upon a board nailed horizontally within the trunk, I lighted it and allowed it to burn slowly, that the fumes might fill the cavity. It was well I did so, for, as the bees returned to consciousness, they left their pretty hive and buzzed away to the trunk of the tree. They seemed astonished at finding this uninhabitable, and an immense deal of noisy humming ensued. Round and round they flew, backward and forward between the gourd and tree, now settling here and now there, until, at length, after due consideration, they took possession of the hive and abandoned their former habitation to us, the invaders of their territory. By the evening they were quite quiet, and we ventured to open the cask in which we had stored our plunder. We first separated the honey from the honeycomb and poured it off into jars and pots; the rest we then took and threw into a vessel of water placed over a slow fire. It soon boiled and the entire mass became fluid. This we placed in a clean canvas bag, and subjected to a heavy pressure. The honey was thus soon forced out, and we stored it in a cask, and, though not perhaps quite equal to the former batch in quality, it was yet capital. The wax that remained in the bag I also carefully stored, for I knew it would be of great use to me in the manufacture of candles. Then after a hard day's work we turned in. The internal architecture of the tree had now to be attended to, and early the following morning we prepared for the laborious task. A door had first to be made, so at the base of the trunk we cut away
  • 21. the bark and formed an opening just the size of the door we had brought from the captain's cabin, and which, hinges and all, was ready to be hung. The clearing of the rotten wood from the center of the trunk occupied us some time, but at length we had the satisfaction of seeing it entirely accomplished, and, as we stood below, we could look up the trunk, which was like a great smooth funnel, and see the sky above. It was now ready for the staircase, and first we erected in the center a stout sapling to form an axis round which to build the spiral stairs; in this we cut notches to receive the steps, and corresponding notches in the tree itself to support the outer ends. The steps themselves we formed carefully and neatly of planks from the wreck, and clenched them firmly in their places with stout nails. Upward and upward we built, cutting windows in the trunk as we required, to admit light and air, until we were flush with the top of the center pole. On this pole we erected another to reach the top of the tree, and securing it firmly, built in the same way round it until we at length reached the level of the floor of the nest above. To make the ascent of the stairs perfectly easy we ran a hand-rail on either side, one round the center pillar, and the other following the curve of the trunk. This task occupied us a whole month, and by the end of that period, so accustomed had we become to having a definite piece of work before us that we began to consider what other great alteration we should undertake. We were, however, of course not neglecting the details of our colonial establishment. There were all the animals to be attended to; the goats and sheep had both presented us with additions to our flock, and these frisky youngsters had to be seen after; to prevent them straying to any great distance —for we had no wish to lose them—we tied round their necks little bells, which we had found on board the wreck, and which would assist us to track them. Juno, too, had a fine litter of puppies, but, in spite of the entreaties of the children, I could not consent to keep more than two, and the rest disappeared in that mysterious way in which puppies and kittens are wont to leave the earth. To console the mother, as he said, but also, I suspect, to save himself
  • 22. considerable trouble, Jack placed his little jackal beside the remaining puppies, and, to his joy, found it readily adopted. The other pets were also flourishing, and were being usefully trained. The buffalo, after giving us much trouble, had now become perfectly domesticated, and was a very useful beast of burden, besides being a capital steed for the boys. They guided him by a bar thrust through the hole in his nose, which was now perfectly healed, and this served the purpose just as a bit in the mouth of a horse. I began his education by securing round him a broad girth of buffalo hide and fastening to it various articles, to accustom him to carrying a burden. By degrees he permitted this to be done without making the slightest resistance, and soon carried the paniers, before borne by the ass, readily and willingly. I then made Master Knips sit upon his back and hold the reins I had prepared for him, that the animal might become accustomed to the feeling of a rider, and finally allowed Fritz himself to mount. The education of the eagle was not neglected. Fritz every day shot small birds for his food, and these he placed, sometimes between the wide-spreading horns of the buffalo or goat, and, sometimes upon the back of the great bustard, that he might become accustomed to pounce upon living prey. These lessons had their due effect, and the bird, having been taught to obey the voice and whistle of his master, he was soon allowed to bring down small birds upon the wing, when he stooped and struck his quarry in most sportsmanlike manner. We kept him well away from the poultry yard, lest his natural instincts should show themselves and he should put an untimely end to some of our feathered pets. Neither was Master Knips allowed to remain idle, for Ernest, now that he was in his possession, wished to train him to be of some use. With Jack's help he made a little basket of rushes, which he so arranged with straps that it might be easily fitted on to the monkey's back. Thus equipped, he was taught to mount cocoanut palms and other lofty trees, and to bring down their fruit in the hamper.
  • 23. Jack was not so successful in his educational attempts. Fangs, as he had christened his jackal, used his fangs, indeed, but only on his own account; nothing could persuade him that the animals he caught were not at once to be devoured, consequently poor Jack was never able to save from his jaws anything but the tattered skin of his prey. Not disheartened, however, he determined that Fangs could be trained, and that he would train him. These, and such like employment, afforded us the rest and recreation we required while engaged in the laborious task of staircase building. Among minor occupations, I applied myself to the improvement of our candles. Though the former batch had greatly delighted us at first, yet we were soon obliged to acknowledge that the light they gave was imperfect, and their appearance was unsightly; my wife, too, begged me to find some substitute for the threads of our cotton neckties, which I had previously used as wicks. To give the proper shape and smoothness to the candles, I determined to use the bamboo molds I had prepared. My first idea was to pour the wax in at the end of the mold, and then when the candles were cooled to slip them out; but I was soon convinced that this plan would not succeed. I therefore determined to divide the molds length-ways, and then having greased them well, we might pour the melted wax into the two halves bound tightly together, and so be able to take out the candles when cool without injuring them. The wicks were my next difficulty, and as the mother positively refused to allow us to devote our ties and handkerchiefs for the purpose, I took a piece of inflammable wood from a tree, a native of the Antilles, which I thought would serve our purpose; this I cut into long slips, and fixed in the centers of the molds. My wife, too, prepared some wicks from the fibers of the karata tree, which she declared would beat mine completely out of the field. We put them to the proof. On a large fire we placed a pot, in which we prepared our wax mixture—half beeswax and half wax from the candleberries. The molds, carefully prepared—half with karata fiber, and half with
  • 24. wooden splint wicks—stood on their ends in a tub of cold water, ready to receive the wax. They were filled; the wax cooled; the candles taken out and subjected to the criticism of all hands. When night drew on, they were formally tested. The decision was unanimous: neither gave such a good light as those with the cotton wicks; but even my wife declared that the light from mine was far preferable to that emitted by hers, for the former, though rather flaring, burned brilliantly, while the latter gave out such a feeble and flickering flame that it was almost useless. I then turned shoemaker, for I had promised myself a pair of waterproof boots, and now I determined to make them. Taking a pair of socks, I filled them with sand and then coated them over with a thin layer of clay to form a convenient mold; this was soon hardened in the sun, and was ready for use. Layer after layer of caoutchouc I brushed over it, allowing each layer to dry before the next was put on, until at length I considered that the shoes were of sufficient thickness. I dried them, broke out the clay, secured with nails a strip of buffalo hide to the soles, brushed that over with caoutchouc, and I had a pair of comfortable, durable, respectable-looking waterproof boots. I was delighted; orders poured in from all sides, and soon every one in the family was likewise provided for. One objection to Falconhurst was the absence of any spring close by, so that the boys were obliged to bring water daily from the stream; and this involving no little trouble, it was proposed that we should carry the water by pipes from the stream to our present residence. A dam had to be thrown across the river some way up stream, that the water might be raised to a sufficient height to run to Falconhurst. From the reservoir thus made we led the water down by pipes into the turtle's shell, which we placed near our dwelling, and from which the superfluous water flowed off through the hole made in it by Fritz's harpoon. This was an immense convenience, and we formally inaugurated the trough by washing therein a whole
  • 25. sack of potatoes. Thus day after day brought its own work, and day after day saw that work completed. We had no time to be idle, or to lament our separation from our fellow creatures. One morning, as we were completing our spiral staircase, and giving it such finish as we were capable of, we were suddenly alarmed by hearing a most terrific noise, the roaring or bellowing of a wild beast; so strange a sound was it, that I could not imagine by what animal it was uttered. Jack thought it perhaps a lion, Fritz hazarded a gorilla, while Ernest gave it as his opinion, and I thought it possible that he was right, that it was a hyena. "Whatever it is," said I, "we must prepare to receive it; up with you all to the nest while I secure the door." Then arming the dogs with their collars, I sent them out to protect the animals below, closed the door, and joined my family. Every gun was loaded, every eye was upon the watch. The sound drew nearer, and then all was still; nothing was to be seen. I determined to descend and reconnoiter, and Fritz and I carefully crept down; with our guns at full cock we glided among the trees; noiselessly and quickly we pushed on further and further; suddenly, close by, we heard the terrific sound again. Fritz raised his gun, but almost as quickly again dropped it, and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. There was no mistaking those dulcet tones—he-haw, he-haw, he- haw—resounded through the forest, and our ass, braying his approach right merrily, appeared in sight. To our surprise, however, our friend was not alone: behind him trotted another animal, an ass no doubt, but slim and graceful as a horse. We watched their movements anxiously. "Fritz," I whispered, "that is an onager. Creep back to Falconhurst and bring me a piece of cord—quietly now!" While he was gone, I cut a bamboo and split it half-way down to form a pair of pincers, which I knew would be of use to me should I
  • 26. get near the animal. Fritz soon returned with the cord, and I was glad to observe also brought some oats and salt. We made one end of the cord fast to a tree, and at the other end made a running noose. Silently we watched the animals as they approached, quietly browsing; Fritz then arose, holding in one hand the noose and in the other some oats and salt. The ass, seeing his favorite food thus held out, advanced to take it; Fritz allowed him to do so, and he was soon munching contentedly. The stranger, on seeing Fritz, started back; but finding her companion show no signs of alarm, was reassured, and soon approached sniffing, and was about to take some of the tempting food. In a moment the noose left Fritz's adroit hand and fell round her neck; with a single bound she sprang backward the full length of the cord, the noose drew tight, and she fell to the earth half strangled. I at once ran up, loosened the rope, and replaced it by a halter; and placing the pincers upon her nose, secured her by two cords fastened between two trees, and then left her to recover herself. Every one hastened up to examine the beautiful animal as she rose to the ground and cast fiery glances around. She lashed out with her heels on every side; and, giving vent to angry snorts, struggled violently to get free. All her endeavors were vain: the cords were stout, and after a while she quieted down and stood exhausted and quivering. I then approached: she suffered me to lead her to the roots of our tree, which for the present formed our stables, and there I tied her up close to the donkey, who was likewise prevented from playing truant. Next morning I found the onager after her night's rest as wild as ever, and as I looked at the handsome creature I almost despaired of ever taming her proud spirit. Every expedient was tried, and at length, when the animal was subdued by hunger, I thought I might venture to mount her; and having given her the strongest curb and shackled her feet I attempted to do so. She was as unruly as ever, and as a last expedient I resolved to adopt a plan which, though cruel, was I knew attended with wonderful success by the American
  • 27. Indians, by whom it is practiced. Watching a favorable opportunity, I sprang upon the onager's back, and seizing her long ear in my teeth, in spite of her kicking and plunging, bit it through. The result was marvelous, the animal ceased plunging, and, quivering violently, stood stock still. From that moment we were her masters, the children mounted her one after the other, and she carried them obediently and quietly. Proud, indeed, did I feel as I watched this animal, which naturalists and travelers have declared to be beyond the power of man to tame, guided hither and thither by my youngest son. Additions to our poultry yard reminded me of the necessity of providing some substantial shelter for our animals before the rainy season came on; three broods of chickens had been successfully hatched, and the little creatures, forty in all, were my wife's pride and delight. We began by making a roof over the vaulted roots of our tree, forming the framework of bamboo canes, which we laid close together and bound tightly down; others we fixed below as supports. The interstices were filled up with clay and moss; and coating the whole over with a mixture of tar and lime-water, we obtained a firm balcony, and a capital roof impervious to the severest fall of rain. I ran a light rail round the balcony to give it a more ornamental appearance, and below divided the building into several compartments. Stables, poultry yard, hay and provision lofts, dairy, kitchen, larder, and dining-hall were united under one roof. Our winter quarters were now completed, and we had but to store them with food. Day after day we worked, bringing in provisions of every description. As we were one evening returning from gathering potatoes, it struck me that we should take in a store of acorns; and sending the two younger boys home with their mother and the cart, I took a large canvas bag, and with Fritz and Ernest, the former mounted on his onager, and the latter carrying his little favorite, Knips, made a detour toward the Acorn Wood.
  • 28. We reached the spot, tied Lightfoot to a neighboring tree, and began rapidly to fill the sack. As we were thus engaged, Knips sprang suddenly into a bush close by, from which, a moment afterward, issued such strange cries that Ernest followed to see what could be the matter. "Come!" he shouted; "come and help me! I've got a couple of birds and their eggs. Quick! Ruffed grouse!" We hurried to the spot. There was Ernest with a fluttering, screaming bird in either hand; while, with his foot, he was endeavoring to prevent his greedy little monkey from seizing the eggs. We quickly tied the legs of the birds, and removing the eggs from the nest, placed them in Ernest's hat; while he gathered some of the long, broad grass, with which the nest was woven, and which grew luxuriantly around, for Franz to play at sword-drill with. We then loaded the onager with the acorns, and moved homeward. The eggs I covered carefully with dry moss, that they might be kept warm, and as soon as possible I handed them over to my wife, who managed the mother so cleverly that she induced her to return to the eggs, and in a few days, to our great delight, we had fifteen beautiful little Canadian chicks. Franz was greatly pleased with the "swords" his brother brought him; but having no small companion on whom to exercise his valor, he amused himself for a short time in hewing down imaginary foes, and then cut the reeds in slips, and plaited them to form a whip for Lightfoot. The leaves seemed so pliable and strong that I examined them to see to what further use they might be put. Their tissue was composed of long silky fibers. A sudden thought struck me—this must be New Zealand flax. I could not rest till I had announced this invaluable discovery to my wife. She was no less delighted than I was. "Bring me the leaves!" she exclaimed. "Oh, what a delightful discovery! No one shall now be clothed in rags; just make me a spindle, and you shall soon have shirts and stockings and trousers,
  • 29. all good homespun! Quick, Fritz, and bring your mother more leaves!" We could not help smiling at her eager zeal; but Fritz and Ernest sprang on their steeds, and soon the onager and buffalo were galloping home again, each laden with a great bundle of flax. The boys dismounted and deposited their offering at their mother's feet. "Capital!" she exclaimed. "I shall now show you that I am not at all behindhand in ingenuity. This must be retted, carded, spun, and woven, and then with scissors, needle, and thread I will make you any article of clothing you choose." We decided that Flamingo Marsh would be the best spot for the operation of steeping or "retting" the flax, and next morning we set out thither with the cart drawn by the ass, and laden with the bundles, between which sat Franz and Knips, while the rest of us followed with spades and hatchets. I described to my boys as we went along the process of retting, and explained to them how steeping the flax leaves destroys the useless membrane, while the strong fibers remain. As we were employed in making beds for the flax and placing it in them, we observed several nests of the flamingo. These are most curiously and skillfully made of glutinous clay, so strong that they can neither be overturned nor washed away. They are formed in the shape of blunted cones, and placed point downward; at the upper and broader end is built a little platform to contain the eggs, on which the female bird sits, with her long legs in the water on either side, until the little birds are hatched and can take to the water. For a fortnight we left the flax to steep, and then taking it out and drying it thoroughly in the sun, stored it for future use at Falconhurst. Daily did we load our cart with provisions to be brought to our winter quarters: manioc, potatoes, cocoanuts, sweet acorns, sugar- canes, were all collected and stored in abundance—for grumbling
  • 30. thunder, lowering skies, and sharp showers warned us that we had no time to lose. Our corn was sowed, our animals housed, our provisions stored, when down came the rain. To continue in our nest we found impossible, and we were obliged to retreat to the trunk, where we carried such of our domestic furniture as might have been injured by the damp. Our dwelling was indeed crowded: the animals and provisions were below, and our beds and household goods around us, hemmed us in on every side; by dint of patience and better packing, we obtained sufficient room to work and lie down in; by degrees, too, we became accustomed to the continual noise of the animals and the smell of the stables. The smoke from the fire, which we were occasionally obliged to light, was not agreeable; but in time even that seemed to become more bearable. To make more space, we turned such animals as we had captured, and who therefore might be imagined to know how to shift for themselves, outside during the daytime, bringing them under the arched roofs only at night. To perform this duty Fritz and I used to sally forth every evening, and as regularly every evening did we return soaked to the skin. To obviate this, the mother, who feared these continual wettings might injure our health, contrived waterproofs: she brushed on several layers of caoutchouc over stout shirts, to which she attached hoods; she then fixed to these duck trousers, and thus prepared for each of us a complete waterproof suit, clad in which we might brave the severest rain. In spite of our endeavors to keep ourselves busy, the time dragged heavily. Our mornings were occupied in tending the animals; the boys amused themselves with their pets, and assisted me in the manufacture of carding-combs and a spindle for the mother. The combs I made with nails, which I placed head downward on a sheet of tin about an inch wide; holding the nails in their proper position I poured solder round their heads to fix them to the tin, which I then folded down on either side of them to keep them perfectly firm. In the evening, when our room was illuminated
  • 31. with wax candles, I wrote a journal of all the events which had occurred since our arrival in this foreign land; and, while the mother was busy with her needle and Ernest making sketches of birds, beasts, and flowers with which he had met during the past months, Fritz and Jack taught little Franz to read. Week after week rolled by. Week after week saw us still close prisoners. Incessant rain battered down above us; constant gloom hung over the desolate scene.
  • 33. CHAPTER IX. Spring again—We begin to hew a cave—Jack makes a discovery—We drive the foul air from the cavern—The mother and her boys join us—We explore the cave— Fit it up as our winter quarters—The herring-bank—We catch seals—Fishing on a grand scale—Isinglass and caviare—We visit our plantations—An expedition to establish a colony—The building of "Woodlands"—Jack and Fritz return to Falconhurst for provisions—Ernest and I explore—A "beast with a bill"—We build a canoe—Franz undertakes the education of Grumble—We continue our work at the cave—Carpet making—Thanksgiving-day—A startling salute—Athletics and shooting—Prize giving—Manufacture of birdlime—Fritz and Jack ride off for caoutchouc—Shoot a crane and badger—Find "Woodlands" turned upside down by monkeys—Discover ginseng. The winds at length were lulled, the sun shot his brilliant rays through the riven clouds, the rain ceased to fall—spring had come. No prisoners set at liberty could have felt more joy than we did as we stepped forth from our winter abode, refreshed our eyes with the pleasant verdure around us, and our ears with the merry songs of a thousand happy birds, and drank in the pure, balmy air of spring. Our plantations were thriving vigorously. The seed we had sown was shooting through the moist earth. All nature was refreshed. Our nest was our first care; filled with leaves and broken and torn by the wind, it looked indeed dilapidated. We worked hard, and in a few days it was again inhabitable. My wife begged that I would now start her with the flax, and as early as possible I built a drying-oven, and then prepared it for her use; I also, after some trouble, manufactured a beetle-reel and spinning-wheel, and she and Franz were soon hard at work, the little boy reeling off the thread his mother spun.
  • 34. I was anxious to visit Tentholm, for I feared that much of our precious stores might have suffered. Fritz and I made an excursion thither. The damage done to Falconhurst was as nothing compared to the scene that awaited us. The tent was blown to the ground, the canvas torn to rags, the provisions soaked, and two casks of powder utterly destroyed. We immediately spread such things as we hoped yet to preserve in the sun to dry. The pinnace was safe, but our faithful tub-boat was dashed in pieces, and the irreparable damage we had sustained made me resolve to contrive some safer and more stable winter-quarters before the arrival of the next rainy season. Fritz proposed that we should hollow out a cave in the rock, and though the difficulties such an undertaking would present appeared almost insurmountable, I yet determined to make the attempt; we might not, I thought, hew out a cavern of sufficient size to serve as a room, but we might at least make a cellar for the more valuable and perishable of our stores. Some days afterward we left Falconhurst with the cart laden with a cargo of spades, hammers, chisels, pickaxes, and crowbars, and began our undertaking. On the smooth face of the perpendicular rock I drew out in chalk the size of the proposed entrance, and then, with minds bent on success, we battered away. Six days of hard and incessant toil made but little impression; I do not think that the hole would have been a satisfactory shelter for even Master Knips; but we still did not despair, and were presently rewarded by coming to softer and more yielding substance; our work progressed, and our minds were relieved. On the tenth day, as our persevering blows were falling heavily, Jack, who was working diligently with a hammer and crowbar, shouted: "Gone, father! Fritz, my bar has gone through the mountain!" "Run around and get it," laughed Fritz; "perhaps it has dropped into Europe—you must not lose a good crowbar."
  • 35. "But, really, it is through; it went right through the rock; I heard it crash down inside. Oh, do come and see!" he shouted excitedly. We sprang to his side, and I thrust the handle of my hammer into the hole he spoke of; it met with no opposition, I could turn it in any direction I chose. Fritz handed me a long pole; I tried the depth with that. Nothing could I feel. A thin wall, then, was all that intervened between us and a great cavern. With a shout of joy, the boys battered vigorously at the rock; piece by piece fell, and soon the hole was large enough for us to enter. I stepped near the aperture, and was about to make a further examination, when a sudden rush of poisonous air turned me giddy, and shouting to my sons to stand off, I leaned against the rock. When I came to myself I explained to them the danger of approaching any cavern or other place where the air has for a long time been stagnant. "Unless air is incessantly renewed it becomes vitiated," I said, "and fatal to those who breathe it. The safest way of restoring it to its original state is to subject it to the action of fire, a few handfuls of blazing hay thrown into this hole may, if the place is small, sufficiently purify the air within to allow us to enter without danger." We tried the experiment. The flame was extinguished the instant it entered. Though bundles of blazing grass were thrown in, no difference was made. I saw that we must apply some more efficacious remedy, and sent the boys for a chest of signal rockets we had brought from the wreck. We let fly some dozens of these fiery serpents, which went whizzing in, and disappeared at apparently a vast distance from us. Some flew like radiant meteors round, lighted up the mighty circumference and displayed, as by a magician's wand, a sparkling, glittering roof. They looked like avenging dragons driving a foul, malignant fiend out of a beauteous palace. We waited for a little while after these experiments, and I then again threw in lighted hay. It burned clearly; the air was purified.
  • 36. Fritz and I enlarged the opening, while Jack, springing on his buffalo, thundered away to Falconhurst to bear the great and astonishing news to his mother. Great must have been the effect of Jack's eloquence on those at home, for the timbers of the bridge were soon again resounding under the swift but heavy tramp of his steed; and he was quickly followed by the rest of our party in the cart. All were in the highest state of excitement. Jack had stowed in the cart all the candles he could find, and we now, lighting these, shouldered our arms and entered. I led the way, sounding the ground as I advanced with a long pole, that we might not fall unexpectedly into any great hole or chasm. Silently we marched— the mother, the boys, and even the dogs seeming overawed with the grandeur and beauty of the scene. We were in a grotto of diamonds —a vast cave of glittering crystal: the candles reflected on the walls a golden light, bright as the stars of heaven, while great crystal pillars rose from the floor like mighty trees, mingling their branches high above us and drooping in hundreds of stalactites, which sparkled and glittered with all the colors of the rainbow. The floor of this magnificent palace was formed of hard, dry sand, so dry that I saw at once that we might safely take up our abode therein, without the slightest fear of danger from damp. From the appearance of the brilliant crystals round about us I suspected their nature. I tasted a piece. This was a cavern of rock salt. There was no doubt about it—here was an unlimited supply of the best and purest salt! But one thing detracted from my entire satisfaction and delight —large crystals lay scattered here and there, which, detached from the roof, had fallen to the ground; this, if apt to recur, would keep us in constant peril. I examined some of the masses and discovered that they had been all recently separated, and therefore concluded that the concussion of the air occasioned by the rockets had caused
  • 37. their fall. To satisfy ourselves, however, that there were no more pieces tottering above us, we discharged our guns from the entrance, and watched the effect. Nothing more fell—our magnificent abode was safe. We returned to Falconhurst with minds full of wonder at our new discovery, and plans for turning it to the best possible advantage. Nothing was now talked of but the new house, how it should be arranged, how it should be fitted up. The safety and comfort of Falconhurst, which had at first seemed so great, now dwindled away in our opinion to nothing; it should be kept up, we decided, merely as a summer residence, while our cave should be formed into a winter house and impregnable castle. Our attention was now fully occupied with this new house. Light and air were to be admitted, so we hewed a row of windows in the rock, where we fitted the window cases we had brought from the officers' cabins. We brought the door, too, from Falconhurst, and fitted it in the aperture we had made. The opening in the trunk of the tree I determined to conceal with bark, as less likely to attract the notice of wild beasts or savages should they approach during our absence. The cave itself we divided into four parts: in front, a large compartment into which the door opened, subdivided into our sitting, eating, and sleeping apartments; the right-hand division containing our kitchen and workshop, and the left our stables; behind all this, in the dark recesses of the cave, was our storehouse and powder-magazine. Having already undergone one rainy season, we knew well its discomforts, and thought of many useful arrangements in the laying out of our dwelling. We did not intend to be again smoke-dried; we therefore contrived a properly built fire place and chimney; our stable arrangements, too, were better, and plenty of space was left in our workshop that we should not be hampered in even the most extensive operations. Our frequent residence at Tentholm revealed to us several important advantages which we had not foreseen. Numbers of splendid turtles often came ashore to deposit their eggs in the sand,
  • 38. and their delicious flesh afforded us many a sumptuous meal. When more than one of these creatures appeared at a time, we used to cut off their retreat to the sea, and, turning them on their backs, fasten them to a stake driven in close by the water's edge, by a cord passed through a hole in their shell. We thus had fresh turtle continually within our reach; for the animals throve well thus secured, and appeared in as good condition, after having been kept thus for several weeks, as others when freshly caught. Lobsters, crabs, and mussels also abounded on the shore. But this was not all; an additional surprise awaited us. As we were one morning approaching Tentholm, we were attracted by a most curious phenomenon. The waters out at sea appeared agitated by some unseen movement, and as they heaved and boiled, their surface, struck by the beams of the morning sun, seemed illuminated by flashes of fire. Over the water where this disturbance was taking place hovered hundreds of birds, screaming loudly, which ever and anon would dart downward, some plunging beneath the water, some skimming the surface. Then again they would rise and resume their harsh cries. The shining, sparkling mass then rolled onward, and approached in a direct line our bay, followed by the feathered flock above. We hurried down to the shore to further examine this strange sight. I was convinced as we approached that it was a shoal or bank of herrings. No sooner did I give utterance to my conjecture than I was assailed by a host of questions concerning this herring-bank, what it was, and what occasioned it. "A herring-bank," I said, "is composed of an immense number of herrings swimming together. I can scarcely express to you the huge size of this living bank, which extends over a great area many fathoms deep. It is followed by numbers of great ravenous fish, who devour quantities of the herrings, while above hover birds, as you have just seen, ready to pounce down on stragglers near the top. To
  • 39. escape these enemies, the shoal makes for the nearest shore, and seeks safety in those shallows where the large fish cannot follow. But here it meets with a third great enemy. It may escape from the fish, and elude the vigilance of sharp-sighted birds, but from the ingenuity of man it can find no escape. In one year millions of these fish are caught, and yet the roes of only a small number would be sufficient to supply as many fish again." Soon our fishery was in operation. Jack and Fritz stood in the water with baskets, and baled out the fish, as one bales water with a bucket, throwing them to us on the shore. As quickly as possible we cleaned them, and placed them in casks with salt, first a layer of salt, and then a layer of herrings, and so on, until we had ready many casks of pickled fish. As the barrels were filled, we closed them carefully, and rolled them away to the cool vaults at the back of our cave. Our good fortune, however, was not to end here. A day after the herring fishery was over, and the shoal had left our bay, a great number of seals appeared, attracted by the refuse of the herrings which we had thrown into the sea. Though I feared they would not be suitable for our table, we yet secured a score or two for the sake of their skins and fat. The skins we drew carefully off for harness and clothing, and the fat we boiled down for oil, which we put aside in casks for tanning, soap-making, and burning in lamps. These occupations interfered for some time with our work at Rock House; but as soon as possible we again returned to our labor with renewed vigor. I had noticed that the salt crystals had for their base a species of gypsum, which I knew might be made of great service to us in our building operations as plaster. As an experiment, I broke off some pieces, and, after subjecting them to great heat, reduced them to powder. The plaster this formed with water was smooth and white, and as I had then no
  • 40. Welcome to our website – the ideal destination for book lovers and knowledge seekers. With a mission to inspire endlessly, we offer a vast collection of books, ranging from classic literary works to specialized publications, self-development books, and children's literature. Each book is a new journey of discovery, expanding knowledge and enriching the soul of the reade Our website is not just a platform for buying books, but a bridge connecting readers to the timeless values of culture and wisdom. With an elegant, user-friendly interface and an intelligent search system, we are committed to providing a quick and convenient shopping experience. Additionally, our special promotions and home delivery services ensure that you save time and fully enjoy the joy of reading. Let us accompany you on the journey of exploring knowledge and personal growth! testbankdeal.com