ERBs part two

Today we finished our ERBs, and yet again I finished early and continued to read The Swiss Family Robinson.  Still, I am furious that Mr. Wyss can't have the sense to write about the mental aspect of being "lost" on an island in the West Indies.  It is still hard to put up with the kids need to shoot or tame every animal they find.  They have so many animals in one area, you would think that they (Family) would need to supply their "livestock" with food.  Also, animals come and go.  The monkey found in the early stages of the book was a huge character.  Now however, I don't know if this animal is dead or alive.  I am also a little confused, why did they waist gunpowder on blowing up the ship.  This is pointless to me.  If some ship comes along, and sees the wreck, you could get rescued.  I know they aren't to crazy about being rescued, but they are crazy.