THE }HAWAIIAN 



FORESTER I AGRICULTURIST 



Vol III. MARCH, 1906 No. 3 



Among the many excellent efforts now being put forth to ren- 

 der the environs of Honolulu more attractive and picturesque, it 

 is to be hoped that due regard will be given to the preservation 

 of our native trees and to their extended cultivation. Few foreign 

 plants are more appropriate to our island scenery than those with 

 which nature has clothed our heights and valleys, yet often 

 preference is given to exotic trees of questionable utility and at- 

 tractiveness. Whenever the imported species does not possess any 

 superiority over Hawaiian trees it would be well to give the latter 

 priority. The fern-like foliage and rapid growth of the Algaroba 

 have long established it in popular favor, and the utility of its 

 wood and beans have brought it into prominence as the tree of 

 greatest economic importance in Honolulu. The sturdy iron- 

 wood is another introduction which has w^on a permanent home 

 here, although its foliage and appearance recall a less congenial 

 clime. The poinciana, too, despite its unsightly and untidy 

 aspect during most of the year, redeems itself by its wonderful 

 florescence, and although unsuited for growing alone will always 

 find a use when associated with other trees. The casuarina, and 

 many flowering trees and shrubs, and imported palms have alike 

 proved their fitness for extensive use. Yet none of these con- 

 forms with the beauty of our island more fitly than the delicate 

 colored foliage of the kukui, the cool inviting shade of the ka- 

 mani, the picturesque beauty of the hala, or the fan-like leaves 

 of the graceful loulu palm. 



These and many others of our native flora are worthy of more 

 extensive cultivation in private and public lands. The preserva- 

 tion of such specimens as remain in Honolulu and its vicinity also 

 deserves attention. On the Pali road are many hala trees strug- 

 gling for existence beneath the heavy weight of an imported 

 evil smelling vine w^hich encumbers them. It would surely be a 

 worthy act to relieve them of their unsightly load and thus add to 

 the picturesqueness of the valley the beauty of one of our most 

 interesting and characteristic trees. 



