1 89 



O'hia lehua (Metrosideros polj/morpha) predominates among^ 

 the trees in mixture. Other important tree species are Koa, 

 (Acacia koa), Koolea {Myrsine lessertiana) , Kopiko (Straus- 

 sia), Ohia ha (Eugenia sandtvicensis) , Iliahi or Sandalwood 

 {Santalum freycinetianum) , and Kauwila (Alphitonia ponder- 

 osa). 



Among a goodly number of small trees and high shrubs 

 special mention may be made of the Lobelia a characteristic 

 and very noticeable plant in the forest at this elevation, where 

 it reaches its best development. 



To both the forester and the botanist the forest on the Wai- 

 mea Upland is one of the most interesting regions in the 

 Territory, for it is full of problems, the solution of which pre- 

 sents attractive rewards to the scientific investigator. 



ENEMIES OF THE FOREST. 



Wild Cattle. 



In former years cattle grazing was carried on both on the 

 private land of Makaweli and the government land of Waimea. 

 Although this use of the land has now been discontinued for 

 some years there still rernain in the forest bands of wild cattle. 

 On the portion of Waimea to the west of the Waimea-Poomau 

 canyon systematic extermination of the wild cattle in the 

 Avoods was begun by the Knudsen Estate over twenty years 

 ag-o and continued until the wild cattle were practically alt 

 got out or killed. Since 1898 a forest fence, built and main- 

 tained by the firm of Knudsen Brothers, has prevented the 

 Knudsen ranch cattle from getting into the forest, which has 

 been treated by the lessees as a private forest reserve. 



On Makaweii the extermination of the wild cattle was be- 

 gun later but for the last few years has been very vigorouslv 

 carried on by Messrs. Gay & Robinson, with the result that 

 the bands of wild cattle are greatly reduced in number. 

 Under the direction of Mr. Gay a comprehensive system of 

 trails has been constructed that greatly facilitates the hunting- 

 of the wild cattle. It is the intention of Messrs. Gay and 

 Robinson to continue this work until the wild cattle are ex- 

 terminated. 



As all ranch stock is kept at the lower levels, the forest 

 within the reserve boundary may properly be regarded as a 

 private forest reserve. It is the intention of Messrs. Gay- 

 and Robinson that it be kept so. 



Goats. 



The other principal source of injury to the forest in the re- 

 serve is from the wild goats. These animals live on the 

 cliflfs and are found in each of the larg^e valleys both in the- 



