Early References To Hawaiian Entomology 



By J. F. Illingworth 



INTRODUCTION 



While examining the narratives of the early voyages of the Pacific, I 

 came across several entomological references so interesting that I decided 

 to extend the search and present the results in a form more readily avail- 

 able to workers in this field. 



As the investigation proceeded, references multiplied so rapidly that 

 I decided to call a halt with the year 1900, as the numerous papers ap- 

 pearing since that time are fairly well known. 



In preparing the bibliography an effort has been made to examine all 

 available printed matter dealing directly or indirectly with Hawaii, but it 

 is not unlikely that some references have been overlooked, especially in the 

 earlier writings of the missionaries. 



It is a pleasure to acknowledge the assistance received — particularly in 

 regard to the more recent publications — from the published bibliography 

 by D. L. Van Dine (224)^ and from the card catalogues that have been 

 gradually built up in Hawaiian institutions. 



The subject of the distribution of organisms, especially in the Pacific, 

 has a most important bearing upon our life here in the Hawaiian islands. 

 Among insects, practically all of our pests have gradually arrived along 

 the lines of commerce ; and even now, with our strict quarantine system, 

 new ones continue to gain an entrance every year. 



Hence, such a review of the literature is especially interesting and valu- 

 able, because it aids in determining the time of introduction and also the 

 distribution of the various organisms found in Hawaii. 



DISCUSSION OF THE LITERATURE 

 In reviewing tlie written history of these islands, I naturally began with 

 the account of the voyages of Captain Cook (2), who discovered the Ha- 

 waiian islands in 1778. Diligent search failed to locate any reference to 

 insects, although dogs, hogs, rats, and birds are mentioned. However, in 

 a separate narrative, William Ellis, the assistant surgeon of this voyage of 

 1778, indicates clearly that at least house flies were troublesome. In de- 

 scribing the natives, Ellis says (i, Vol. II, p. 156), 



They have also a kind of fly-flap, made of a bunch of feathers fixed to the 

 end of a thin piece of smooth and polished wood ; they are generally made of the 



'The references in parentheses refer to works listed in the bibliography on 

 pages 19 to 50. 



