228 H A W A 1 1. 



Wailuku river, which I have mentioned as dividing the village of 

 Paneo from that of Hilo, here descends about one hundred and 

 tvi'enty feet into a circular basin, formed apparently by the caving 

 in of the lava, with which the whole country is covered : the strata 

 of sand and clay has in places become undermined, and has left 

 the ledge over which the fall shoots, projecting beyond the walls 

 of the basin. This has the effect to bring the water in broad relief, 

 and the height is sufficient to dissipate it into foam before it reaches 

 the quiet and secluded nook below : this causes a fluctuation in 

 the quantity of spray that is constantly arising, which being agitated 

 by the breeze, throws it about in various directions, and with a 

 bright sun, causes innumerable rainbows to be seen, from those of 

 great brightness to the most delicate tints. The walls showing the 

 basaltic formation add much to this effect, and might almost lead 

 one to fancy the basin had been built by fairy hands, to enchant the 

 visiter. 



The missionaries often make visits to this beautiful spot in the 

 evening, and one of the first places of interest that they point out to 

 a stranger are these falls. The basin into which they fall is also a 

 favourite resort of the natives for bathing. 



The tacca, from which the arrow-root is made, is not cultivated ; 

 although it grows wild all over the island. It is gathered and pre- 

 pared by the natives ; but they are not sufficiently careful when they 

 dig up the large roots, to replace the smaller tubers in the ground. 

 From this neglect, the plant is on the decrease. I was told that 

 attempts were making to cultivate it : it grows well in the upland 

 regions, in the poor soil, covered with fragments of lava, which is un- 

 suited for any other culture. 



Their mode of preparing the tacca for use is simply by first 

 washing, then scraping and straining it through fine leaves. After 

 standing awhile, the fecula settles, when the water is poured offi 

 The fecula is then made into small cakes with the hand, by which 

 operation it is freed from the remaining water ; and it is then placed 

 in the sun to dry. The manufacture of this article is generally 

 limited to the quantity necessary for furnishing each of the females 

 with a calico frock. This of course does not amount to any very 

 great quantity, in a commercial point of view ; but will yet be con- 

 sidered large, when the manner in which it is gathered is considered. 

 I was informed, that the quantity shipped to Oahu yearly, was two 

 hundred thousand pounds ; and that the price paid for it was two or 



