KAUAI AND OAHU. 



81 



water it from the Kouahaunui range, passing down the fertile 

 valleys. The largest of these is quite sufficient to supply motive 

 power the whole year round. On the banks of the Ewa are many 

 thousand acres of land wholly unoccupied, which are capable of 

 growing cotton, sugar-cane, indigo, the mulberry, &c., to any extent. 

 From sources that are to be depended upon, I was informed that 

 there are upwards of thirty square miles in the Waialua district that 

 can be cultivated without irrigation. 



The people are as indolent as usual, having but few wants, and those 

 easily supphed; there is now, however, some hope of their improve- 

 ment, because the conveniences of civilized life are gradually beino- 

 introduced, the desire of obtaining which gives them an incentive to 

 exertion. They cannot yet be induced to change their ancient dwell- 

 ings for better habitations, and still adhere with pertinacity to their 

 thatched grass huts, without floors or windows, and destitute of venti- 

 lation : these dwellings may with truth be termed, miserable hovels. 



The mountain range of Konahaunui runs close to the north shore 

 of the island, leaving only a narrow strip of land, varying from a half 

 to two miles in width, and twenty miles in length : this is called the 

 Koolaulo district. It is only a few feet above the level of the sea, 

 and has a gradual ascent to the foot of the precipices. The mountain 

 spurs from the main chain are numerous : some of these are of great 

 length, and enclose valleys having a very fertile soil. The land on 

 the immediate coast is also good, and receives an abundance of rain 

 for agricultural purposes. There are here also several small streams, 

 sufficiently well supplied with water to drive the machinerv for suo-ar- 

 mills. 



The scenery of this district is surpassed by that of few places in 

 beauty, boldness, and variety ; stupendous precipices rising some two 

 or three thousand feet, with small streams rushing over and down 

 their sides, resembling so many strings of silver girdling them, and 

 here and there lost among the light and airy foliage. To whichever 

 side the traveller turns himself, he is sure to find something to in- 

 terest and attract his attention. The Kaluamei waterfall is°a very 

 remarkable spot, lying deep in the mountain, whither from appear- 

 ance it has worn its way to the depth of half a mile back. On passing 

 up the bed of the stream, the banks rise almost perpendicularly, and 

 are but a few yards asunder when the foot of the fall is reached ; here 

 the sun penetrates only for an hour at midday. This is a fit place for 

 the legends of the natives, and it is understood that it was intimately 



VOL. IV. 21 



