K A U A I A N D O A H U. 65 



series of sunburnt hills and barren plains, sloping gradually from the 

 base of the mountains to the ocean, and now and then intersected 

 with ravines, or, as they are called in the Hawaiian Islands, 

 "gulches." Only a few coarse grasses are met with, quite unfit 

 for pasture. 



At Waimea, the fort built by the Russians, under their absurd 

 trade-master. Dr. Schoof, is still in existence. His ambition would 

 have made him the proprietor of the whole island, although his 

 only business was to take possession of the remains of the wreck 

 of a ship belonging to the Russian Company, that had been lost in 

 the bay. Several Russian vessels were afterwards sent there, which 

 Schoof took charge of, by displacing their masters. It is said he 

 made presents to Kamehameha I., and received in return a grant of 

 land from him ; some accounts say, the whole island ! It is quite 

 certain, however, that Kamehameha's fears were excited by the 

 reports that were circulated from time to time, that the Russians, 

 through Dr. Schoof 's operations, intended to get such a foothold as to 

 siibvert his authority, and keep possession of the island. With his 

 usual promptness, he, in conseqiience, ordered the governor, Kau- 

 mualii, at once to send them all away. This was effected without 

 any disturbance, and all the Russians embarked in a brig, in which 

 they proceeded to Halelea, to join other Russian vessels that were 

 lying there, and all departed together. As any intention of taking 

 forcible possession, or colonizing the island, was shortly afterwards 

 denied, in the most positive manner, by the Russians, it is probable 

 that the whole was the work of a vain and ambitious man, who had 

 suddenly found himself elevated above his own sphere. That he 

 either wanted the inclination or the courage to carry out his concep- 

 tions, if he had any, is manifest, from his immediate acquiescence to 

 the order of the chief to quit the island. He is now known at the 

 islands under the appellation of the Russian Doctor, although by 

 birth a German. The Russian Stone Fort, as it is now called, is 

 garrisoned by a guard of natives. 



Waimea offers the best anchorage at this island, except in the 

 months of January and February, when the trades are interrupted, 

 and the wind blows strong from the southwest, and directly on shore. 



About a mile west of Waimea is the spot where the first English 

 boat landed from Cook's expedition. The village of Waimea takes 

 its name from the river, which rises in the mountains, and after a 

 course of about fifteen miles, enters the sea there. It is navigable 



VOL. IV. 17 



