58 KAUAIANDOAHU. 



on board, heartily sick of their frolic. They were remarkably orderly 

 and well-behaved while on shore, and indeed the police is so efficient 

 that it would have been impossible for them to be riotous, if so dis- 

 posed, without finding themselves prisoners in the fort. I must here 

 do Governor Kekuanaoa the justice to say, that he performs the part 

 of a most excellent and energetic magistrate, and while he insists on 

 others conforming to the laws, he is equally mindful of them himself. 

 His fault, if he errs, lies in carrying them into effect too quickly and 

 without sufficient examination. An instance of this fell under my 

 observation, which will be spoken of at a future time. 



The usual amusements for visiters in Honolulu, are billiards, bowl- 

 ing-alleys, riding, and visiting. There are but few vehicles, and in 

 consequence of the want of roads, these can go no further than the 

 eastern plain, which is but a short distance. A road for wheel-car- 

 riages might be constructed from one end of the island to the other 

 without difficulty, and with little expense; and this is the only island of 

 the group where it would be practicable from end to end. 



The roads for horses are mere foot-paths, which at times pass over 

 very difficult places, that by a short turn might be avoided, and with 

 a great saving of labour. This, however, never seems to enter a 

 native's head, and the neglect to improve the roads is akin to his 

 irrational expedient of doubling his load by adding stones as a coun- 

 terpoise, instead of dividing his bundle. 



Desirous of having as thorough an examination made of all the 

 islands of the group as possible, and the repairs of the tender being 

 completed, I put Mr. Knox in charge of her, and sent her with several 

 of the naturalists to Kauai, with instructions to land them, on their 

 return, on the west side of Oahu, for its examination. 



They left Honolulu on the 25th of October, and experiencing light 

 winds, did not reach Kauai, although distant only a few hours' sail, 

 until the morning of the 27th, when they were landed at Koloa, on the 

 southeast side of that island. Here a heavy sea was rolling. After 

 the vessel anchored, some canoes came off, and the people pointed out 

 a good landing in a small rocky cove, that appeared as though it had 

 once been a large cavern, whose top had fallen in. 



On landing, they entered an extensive level plain, bounded by a 

 ridge of mountains, and cultivated in sugar-cane and mulberries. 

 Captain Stetson has an establishment here built of adobes, but these 

 are not found to be adapted to the climate. The environs of Koloa 

 afford some pasturage; the soil is good, though dry and very stony; 

 the grass and foliage, however, looked luxuriant. About two miles 

 from Koloa, Captain Stetson has his silk establishment, consisting ot 



