64 KAUAIANDOAHU. 



which have parted with their moisture in passing over the high lands 

 of Oahu, lying directly to windward. 



The silk is reeled by native women. The specimens seen appeared 

 of good quality, but were not reeled sufficiently fine, or with that atten- 

 tion to economy which is necessary to its profitable cultivation. It is 

 thought it will prove a good article for the Mexican market, for use 

 in saddlery. 



From what I understood at Honolulu, this silk establishment, 

 having been formed on too expensive a scale, has been a failure, and 

 the capital, or original outlay, is considered as entirely sunk. The 

 possibility of success is not doubted by those who have failed ; but 

 these silk establishments should begin by small outlays and be gra- 

 dually extended by the investment of the profits. 



About a mile back from the landing is the mission-house, and the 

 sugar establishment of Messrs. Ladd & Co., with a well-made road 

 leading to it. Beyond this, on the brow of the hill, is situated the 

 house of Mr. Peck, enjoying as fine a prospect as is to be found in 

 these islands. Around his establishment, in native-built houses, are 

 the cocooneries. 



The sugar-mills of Ladd & Co. are said to be doing a good busi- 

 ness. They are turned by water. The sugar is of a fair quality, 

 and has been sold in the United States at a profit. The natives are 

 induced to raise the sugar-cane, which is sometimes ground, or manu- 

 factured, on shares, and is also bought. The labour of the natives, in 

 raising the cane, costs twelve and a half cents per day. This, how- 

 ever, is paid in paper currency, issued by Ladd & Co., redeemable at 

 their store ; consequently the price of the labour is no more than six 

 and a quarter cents; for the sale of goods is rarely made in these 

 islands under a profit of one hundred per cent. The want of a native 

 currency is beginning to be much felt, both by the government and 

 people ; a fact that will tend to show the advaiace they have made 

 and are making in civilization. 



The sugar, I understood, could be afforded in the United States at 

 from four to four and a half cents the pound. This, however, I think 

 is rather a low estimate, to include growth, manufacture, freight, and 

 charges. 



Dr. Pickering and Mr. Brackenridge set out on foot, the day after 

 the tender arrived, along the southern coast, for Waimea, distant 

 eighteen miles, in order to take the western route across the island. 

 The whole distance between Koloa and Waimea was found to be a 



