90 



Much lack of foresight is often observable in the unmethodical 

 selection of trees for planting on small lots. Very often this was 

 done in former years without regard to the future development or 

 suitability of the kinds chosen, and the occupant apparently strove 

 only to plant as many seedlings as could be accommodated in 

 the space at his disposal. The result has been that many yards 

 are now covered with a veritable jungle, in which no tree has 

 been able to attain a generous growth, but all have struggled for 

 a precarious existence. In commencing the work of local im- 

 provement^ the first advance has often been made in thinning 

 out the trees and plants upon vacant land and public gardens, 

 and much benefit has resulted by this procedure. It is, 

 however, of great importance that before the axe is set indis- 

 criminately at work, the opinion of some one experienced in 

 tree lore or possessing a general knowledge of botany should 

 be consulted. During the past month we have seen a stately 

 and valuable araucaria felled by private enterprise in order to 

 accommodate an inferior mango tree, and many other acts 

 have lately taken place, which could never have been tolerated 

 by a lover of nature. In this way Honolulu has been despoiled 

 of some of the rarest and most beautiful examples of its flora, 

 which it will require many years to replace. 



The application of scientific knowledge and modern improve- 

 ments to the cultivation of the soil have during the last few years 

 achieved such important results for agriculture that no farmer 

 can now be sure of success without a special training in branches 

 of learning which formerly were considered of academic or specu- 

 lative importance. The diversity and amount of knowledge now 

 requisite in the husbandman is far greater than can be acquired 

 in a training solely confined to farm life. In order to equip him- 

 self for successful competition with his fellows it is now neces- 

 sary for the aspiring farmer to attend a course of instruction at 

 an agricultural institution where he may benefit by the accumu- 

 lated experience of the agriculturist and the learning of the 

 scientific investigator. Technical colleges have long proved their 

 utility in furnishing competent workers to the varied branches of 



