1893. NOTES AND COMMENTS. 165 
appear, the genus containing the largest tree-ferns of the islands. 
Here, too, is seen the tiny Tvichomanes pusillum, 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 of Acrostichum, Polypodium, and the beautiful 
bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium mnidus). 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 moluccana, with pale silvery-green 
foliage ; and a little higher up the phyllode-bearing Koa (Acacia Kon), 
the principal timber tree, with wood not unlike mahogany in appear- 
ance. Conspicuous also is the mountain apple (Eugenia malaccensts), 
with beautiful crimson fruits, and, higher still, the nearly-reiated 
Metrosideros 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 dichotoma 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 Vaccinium, 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 Lobeliacee. 
