INTRODUCED PLAXTS AND AXT^FALS. 239 



like branehlets would seem to entitle it to ehiini relationship willi the eedar, 

 cypress or pine. Though the tree is widely distriltuted it was ikiI known to the 

 native Hawaiians before its introduction by the whites. Tlie tree has its greatest 

 use as wind-breaks. However, it has been extensively planted about the city 

 and reminds the visitors from northern climes of the winter season as Ihc wind 

 whistles and soughs through its ])ranches. 



The Ki^kt^i. 



Look where one will in the city he will find l)ut little that really belongs to 

 the native flora. The few species to be seen that pass as native trees are for the 

 most part those brought here from Polynesia by the natives themselves. How- 

 ever, there are a few of these that are of common occurrence and especially strik- 

 ing" in appearance. The kukui or candle-nut tree ^- is always identified by its 

 conspicuous pale yellow-green, almost silvery foliage. It is one of the most 

 beautiful and abundant trees of the group from sea level up to two thousand 

 feet. In sheltered nooks and shady ravines the silvery-green foliage can be made 

 out from far out at sea, and is usually proudly pointed out to the stranger from 

 the deck of the steamer as one of the most beautiful and picturesque trees of 

 Hawaii-nei. It is a luxuriant shade tree and is well worthy of a larger place 

 in the jiarks, private grounds and streets of the city than it now occupies. 



The wood is soft and white and is useless for building purposes; but the 

 nuts, which are similar in shape and size to a black walnut, were made by the 

 natives to serve in many useful ways. The shell of the nut is hard and bhiek 

 and capable of taking a very high polish. They were strung into leis and 

 fashioned into other ornaments. The oily kernels were strung on s])liut('rs of 

 bamboo to form torches, whence the name candle-nut. The acritl juice con- 

 tained in the covering of the nut was the base for a black dye for tapa and also 

 served as an ink in tatooing the skin. The nuts, roasted and mixed with salt, 

 form a very pleasant side dish at native feasts. The oil was pressed from the 

 kernels and burned in stone lamps of native manufacture. It also made a water- 

 proof coating for tapa, and was occasionally used among the old-time Hawaiians 

 to oil the body for various purposes, especially to render it sli]>pery in evading 

 their opponents in ])hysical encounters. The gum which exudes from Ihc bark 

 also had several uses. 



It is of interest in this place to note that all bi'anches of the Polynesian race 

 know the kukui by the same name. Though Ihe kukui is generally dispelled 

 over the islands, and forms a large part of the forest up to the upi)er educ of its 

 range, it has but few enemies among the Hawaiian insects, 'i'liis fact is taken 

 to indicate its being of comparatively recent Hawaiian introduction, and sug- 

 gests that there has not been sufficient time for it to attract sci-ious insect pests. 



The Breaupruit. 

 Another native importation of nuu-li value is the breadfi'uil.-'' or ulu. of the 



^" Aleurites MoUuccana. -^ Arlorarpus ihcisn. 



