HAWAII. 



231 



boats. Wood is also to be had here, and at a much less price than at 

 Oahu. There is another inducement, which makes it a desirable 

 place for vessels to recruit at — there are no grog-shops as yet. 



The rise of the tide is three feet — high water full and change at 

 1 p. M. 



The morning previous to our sailing, I learned much to my surprise 

 that the Rev. Mr. Coan had received many complaints from the natives, 

 of the destruction of the sugar-cane by my crew. Although I was 

 well convinced that the complaints were unfounded, as strict orders 

 had been given that no plantation should be touched, I sent Mr. Wal- 

 dron on shore to inquire into it, and to settle any demands. It turned 

 out as I had expected, that little or no damage had been done, and 

 this fact was evident enough. We were compelled, however, to pay 

 ten dollars, which I cannot but view as a piece of extortion. How 

 far the reverend missionary was aware of its being so, I will not pre- 

 tend to say ; but a little inquiry would have satisfied him that not 

 one-tenth part of the value had been touched, if any. I do not mention 

 this in any feeling of hostility towards the missionary : I would, how 7 - 

 ever, recommend that when complaints are made, they should at once 

 be sent to head-quarters, and not allowed to be heard through any other 

 channel. 



After this affair was arranged, I had the gratification to receive a 

 complimentary notice from Mr. Coan, on the behaviour and exemplary 

 conduct of my crew during the whole time the ship was at Hilo. 



EDIBLE FERN. 



