1893. NOTES AND COMMENTS. 165 



appear, the genus containing the largest tree-ferns of the islands. 

 Here, too, is seen the tiny Trichomanes pusilluiu, forming dense mats 

 on rocks and tree trunks, and looking like a delicate moss ; the full- 

 grown frond is not more than half-an-inch high. Epiphytic ferns also 

 become frequent, species oi Acrostic hum, Polypodia in, and the beautiful 

 bird's-nest fern {Asplenium nidus). Everywhere are thickets of 

 Freycinetia, very troublesome to get through. 



Of the trees of this lower forest region, by far the most conspicuous 

 is the euphorbiaceous Aleurites moJnccana, with pale silvery-green 

 foliage ; and a little higher up the phyllode-bearing Koa [Acacia Koa), 

 the principal timber tree, with wood not unlike mahogany in appear- 

 ance. Conspicuous also is the mountain apple {Eugenia malaccensis), 

 with beautiful crimson fruits, and, higher still, the nearly-related 

 Metrosidevos forms a striking object with its grey-green leaves and 

 scarlet, feathery flowers. 



Hawaii is reached by steamer in about thirty-six hours from 

 Honolulu. On the way are passed Molokai, the barren and forbidding 

 leper settlement, Lauai, and Maui, the next largest island. 



Hawaii consists of three great volcanic cones, only one of which 

 is now active. Mahukona, on the leeward side of the island, the first 

 landing-place, showed a forlorn expanse of bare lava, with scarce a 

 trace of vegetation, quite a contrast to the next stopping-place, Hilo, 

 where the luxuriant vegetation comes down to the water's edge. 



The forest here is most interesting, and owing to the great annual 

 rainfall (180 inches) and its more southerly position, like the rest of 

 the flora, more tropical in character. Ferns and mosses luxuriate, 

 while flowers are almost entirely wanting. Many tree-ferns, species 

 of Cibotium, had trunks from 15 to 20 or even 30 feet high, with fronds 

 18 to 20 feet long. Growing on their trunks were epiphytic ferns, 

 the peculiar Ophioglossum pendulinum, with its long, strap-shaped 

 leaves, and exquisite species of Hymenophyllum and Trichomanes. Of 

 the terrestrial ferns, the tropical Gleichenia dichotoina and Marattia 

 Douglasi were noticeable, and several species of Lycopodium and 

 Selaginella were common. 



Coffee is extensively planted in this region as well as on the lee 

 side of the island, and the quality of the berry is exceptionally fine. 



Near the volcano, Kilauea, about 4,000 feet above sea-level, are 

 many interesting plants, one a Vacciniiun, with berries resembling 

 cranberries. 



The leeward side of the island is dry and vegetation scanty. 

 The soil, however, is very fertile, and, when water can be had, 

 produces magnificent crops of tropical products, such as pine-apples, 

 coffee, sugar, &c. 



A flying trip was made to Kauai, the oldest, geologically, and the 

 richest, botanically, of all the islands. Hillebrand states that not 

 only is the number of species larger, but they are more specialised 

 than in the other islands. Here were seen several woody Lobeliaceae. 



