214 trees. [1839 



resembling molasses, obtained by baking ti-root in an oven 

 and subjecting it to a heavy pressure. Arrow-root of a su- 

 perior quality is made in limited quantities from the tacoa. 

 The yam, which is propagated like the potato — the vines 

 running up trees, and when they die indicating that the roots 

 are fit to eat — was formerly cultivated a great deal ; but it 

 is now giving way, in a measure, to the taro, which is thought 

 to be preferable by the natives. 



Innumerable varieties of medicinal herbs spring up spon- 

 taneously in the valleys and on the mountain sides. Wild 

 oranges are so abundant in some sections that the forest-paths 

 are literally strewn with them. The cerbera, from which 

 caoutchouc might be made, wild nutmeg, wild ginger, and 

 the iris, abound. The trees are of great beauty and variety, 

 and are often hidden beneath dense masses of ferns, convol- 

 vuli, and other vines — the rich drapery whose web and woof 

 are supplied by Nature's own hand. They are remarkable 

 not only for their size, but also for the beauty and fragrance 

 of their flowers, and the lusciousness of their tempting fruits. 

 Evergreens are quite numerous. Indeed, there are but two 

 or three deciduous trees in the group. The new leaves push 

 out the old ; and buds and blossoms, the young fruit and the 

 ripe, appear together throughout the year. 



Among the trees are the tamanu, hibiscus, pandanus, rata, 

 pisonia, apapa, amni, or miro, tou (cordia), toi, toa (casua- 

 rina), candle-nut (aleurites triloba), ohwa, or native banyan, 

 leafless acacia, bread-fruit and cocoa-nut. The most valu- 

 able of these for timber, are the tamanu, ainai, tou, toi, toa, 

 and bread-fruit. The tamanu at tains a vast size, and is 

 often five feet in diameter. It has a beautiful veiny grain, 

 and will take a high polish. Canoes, stools, pillows, bowls, 

 and other articles, are wrought from it with great labor.. It 

 would be extremely useful in ship building, as it is very 

 durable, and holds a nail with great tenacity : iron likewise 

 lasts better in it than in any other wood. — The wood of the 

 amai is of a close firm texture, and of a dark brown color. 

 It is but little variegated, but will receive a fine polish. It 



