1899.] ESSAYS. 21 



wliirh 1 IoiukI inucli iiilcrior in speed imd aceoiiimodatioiis lo 

 the Canadian and Paeitic line. The smooth seas and warm 

 temperature made a pleasant voyage. The average temperature 

 of this section of the world is S'2 degrees. One very pleasant 

 feature of the voyage is the swimming tank. It is a very large 

 bag into which is pumped 25 gallons of sea water. 



We see to the north of us Bird Island. Thousands of birds 

 make their home in this island. There lies to the north the 

 island of Lasage. These are now under our flag. They pro- 

 duce large quantities of guano, and ship it to Honolulu, and it 

 also has a large trade in eggs. There are over twelve small 

 islands of like character attached to the western group, and the 

 only business carried on is the gathering of guano. 



The most important island of the Archipelago is Oahu, on 

 which Honolulu is situated. This island is 300 miles in length 

 and 600 miles in breadth. Its population is 40,000, of which 

 30,000 reside in Honolulu. The next in importance is Hawaii, 

 with an area of 4200 square miles and a population of 43,000. 

 Kauaii is third with an area of 760 square miles and a popula- 

 tion of 10,000. Hawaii holds preeminence and is the seat of 

 ofovernment. 



The harbor of Honolulu is the finest in the group, and owes 

 its existence to the coral reef. It is the only harbor on these 

 islands to which a steamer can make fast to a dock. Imme- 

 diately upon a steamer's arrival it is met by a crowd of boys, 

 who invite the passengers to throw coins and see them dive. 

 When one is thrown they dive for it, and place it in their 

 mouth, and call for more, until soon the cheeks of the lads bulge 

 out with coins. 



The Hawaii Islands boast of few hotels. I was directed to 

 the Arlington and reached there about five o'clock in the after- 

 noon, registered, and proceeded at once to the post-oflBce. To 

 my amazement I found that olfice closed at four o'clock. I had 

 nothing to do but wait until the next morning. I was very 

 anxious for mail, having been without it for four weeks. Eight 

 o'clock had hardly struck before I was standing at the post- 

 otiice ; five minutes past and still it remained unopened; then, 



