I'm totally confused!
To what good uses did they put the porcupine quills? The coconuts? The shark skin? The jackal hide? The turtle shell?
The Swiss Family Robinson

The Robinson family used:

1 - Pourcupine quills to make needles.

2 - Shark skin to help themselves climb trees more easily.

3 - The tortoise shell as a water tub for cooking and washing linen

4 - The coconuts served as a treat, for they drank the liquid inside; and on Chapter 24 they used them as traps filled with food and a sticky mix they made, to lure and capture the monkeys that ravaged their home.

5 - The jackal hide is turned into a belt by Jack (which he uses), and collars for the dogs

Explanation:

The Robinson family adapted to life in the island thanks to William's wit and knowledge, this included being creative in the way nature's bids could help them survive and make their life on the island more comfortable. There are numerous lessons the book tries to share, the most relevant being strength, wit, work ethic and devotion to God.