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



cation within the last thirteen years. A spirit, however, is distilled 

 from the ti, potatoes, water-melon, &c. 



The marriage law has had a good effect in this district, and will 

 probably be the means of arresting the desolation that is now sweep- 

 ing over the land. From thirty to forty marriages have taken place 

 yearly. I have been thus particular in the population of this dis- 

 trict, as it is generally reported to be that wherein the causes of 

 decrease are most active. This cannot be owing to the climate, 

 which is very similar to that of the leeward portions of the other 

 islands, and the atmosphere is considered dry and healthy. Can 

 it be owing to the fact, that the original virus of the disease was 

 here first spread, and that it has continued to be more virulent here 

 than elsewhere ? 



As i-espects agriculture, there being no market for the sale of pro- 

 duce, the supply seldom exceeds the wants of the district. Some 

 attempts have, however, been made to produce cotton and the sugar- 

 cane ; but, for want of encouragement, the produce has not yet been 

 sufficient to clear the expenses. 



The improvement in the morals and instruction of the natives is 

 very considerable. There are sixteen schools, all taught by native 

 teachers, at the expense of the people. Two-thirds of the adult 

 population read, and many of them can also write. The instruction 

 is now confined to the youth and children, of whom aboiit three hun- 

 dred attend the schools regularly, and six hundred more occasionally. 

 Much improvement has lately taken place in their habitations, and in 

 the manufacturing of their wearing apparel, consisting of tapa, &c. 



There is one church, and one hundred and fifty-nine communi- 

 cants; the number that attend worship in the morning is about a 

 thousand, and in the afternoon about half that number. 



The island of Niihau was not visited by any one belonging to the 

 squadron ; but it seems proper that in giving an account of the Ha- 

 waiian Islands, it should be spoken of It is situated sixteen miles 

 southwest of Kauai, and is eighteen miles long by eight broad. There 

 is an anchorage on its western side, but no harbour. Its eastern side is 

 rocky and unfit for cultivation ; the inhabitants therefore reside on its 

 western side, on the sea-shore, and are for the most part miserably 

 poor. They cultivate, principally, yams and sweet-potatoes, the 

 former of which succeed much better here than at any of the other 

 islands. Water is very scarce, and they suffer occasionally from 

 drotights, from which cause they are not able to raise the taro. This 



