642 Fornandcr Collection of Hazvaiian Polk-lorc. 



akala.^ and the liaukoii.'' Prepare two kinds of battens, however; the large as well as 

 the small battens. The large battens are laid horizontally in the house, and the small- 

 er battens are laid vertically and are called aliu-i. 



The main thing in the construction of a house is to use one kind of wood, that is, 

 one kind of wood for posts, and one kind for battens. The cords are the i-c {Frcy- 

 ciiicfia arnotti), kowali^" and the huchuc (cocciiliis). This i-e and the kowali are pre- 

 ]5ared by cooking them in the imu, then soaking them in the water until the skin peels 

 ott, when they are ready for use; and the huehue, by simply placing it in the sun until 

 half dry. 



REGARDING THE HEWING PROCESS. 



In hewing the posts the lower ])art is left natural, not hewn; but the upper part 

 is hewn. The top ends are made tapering like a billiard cue. The rafters have mor- 

 tises at the ends known as male and female. The plates are hewn flat, and the main 

 posts are notched at the top to fit the rafters. The battens are hewn only at the bot- 

 tom, the larger end. 



REGARDING CONSTRUCTION. 



In constructing it is well first to dig the holes, as many holes as there are posts. 

 When digging, however, throw the dirt into the house; do not throw it out like the 

 digging of a grave. Then set the corner posts of the back and the front. In placing 

 the posts be sure the line of posts is straight from the back to the front ; because if 

 these are not in line the house would be defective; the posts must be correctly placed. 

 Be careful also that one does not stand higher than the other, but are all on the same 

 level. When these posts are set then erect the main posts. 



After the main posts are in position let two men climb these, one on each, and 

 l)lace the ridge-pole. First see that it is level; then draw it in (to make the roof small) 

 so that the roof would have a neat a])])earance. This is done so that the house would 

 not appear topheavy thus giving another expert a chance to ridicule it. But build the 

 house so that it would stand out; and such a house is called ])y the people a "hale kii- 

 kitolii."^^ When the posts are firmly ])lanted place on them the plates for the two sides, 

 fitting them with the tenon at the top of each post. After the plates are in position 

 ])lace and tie the rafters on both sides; then fasten'- at the ridge and at the junction 

 of the rafter with the plates and the posts. When this is finished then place the sup- 

 plementary ridge-pole {kiiaiole)^'^ on top of the rafters, and tie on to the ridge-pole. 

 The end posts are now ])laced in position, if so desired, or else they can be left till later. 



CONCERNING THE PLACING OF THE BATTENS. 



Placing the battens on houses of Hawaii nei is done according to the manner in 

 which the house is to be covered; that is, if the house be covered with lauhala, there 



'Akala (Rubus Hazvaiieiisis). "Fasten, piihi, the word used here, refers to tying the 



"Not idenlilicd under tliis nrinic. Probahlv tlic hauhdc different woods of the liouse togetlu-r only nnd not to 



(Hibiscus Aniottiiinus). -'my otl""r thiUH. 



'"Kowali or koali vine (Iponica tubcrcidutu). "Kuaiole, lit., ral hack. 



"Hale kukuohi, a house set apart by itself, occupied 

 by persons of high rank. 



