HAWAII. 211 



The boys in this school appear more cheerful than any others I 

 have seen in this group; all of them look remarkably healthy, and, 

 indeed, robust for these islands. They are fed upon poe, one of the 

 most nutritious articles of food, and thrive proportionately ; they 

 were, in fact, the largest boys of their respective ages that I saw on 

 the islands. 



Through the kindness of Mr. Lyman, I was present at an examina- 

 tion of the scholars : sacred geography and arithmetic were the two 

 branches most dwelt upon ; the exercises in mental arithmetic would 

 have done credit to our own country, for they were quite as proficient 

 in them as could possibly have been expected. I was much pleased 

 with the arrangements of the dormitory, eating-rooms, hospital, and 

 with the appearance of the " farm," or few acres they had under culti- 

 vation. It was very evident that system and good order prevailed 

 throughout. The dormitory, particularly, appealed to me well calcu- 

 lated to promote health, and give notions of comfort foreign to the 

 ideas of a native. 



Mr. and Mrs. Lyman seem quite competent to the charge, particu- 

 larly the latter ; for one cannot but perceive the hand of the mistress 

 pervading throughout. This and Mrs. Coan's school for girls, are 

 decidedly the best-conducted establishments, I saw in the Pacific. I 

 cannot pass by the latter without adding a few words. 



Mrs. Coan had been kind enough to ask me to appoint an hour to 

 attend the examination of her pupils, or to come when I could. My 

 employments placed it out of my power to select a time, and I took 

 advantage of her general invitation to drop in when I was quite un- 

 expected. I was very kindly received, and found her with all her 

 scholars seated around, some hard at work with the needle, and some 

 reading. My entrance occasioned little or no disturbance, either to 

 the lady or her scholars ; and the regular routine of the school went 

 on. It gave me great pleasure to see what the industry, talent, and 

 zeal of my countrywoman had accomplished ; for by her untiring 

 assiduity this school had been established, and is kept up. The whole 

 care devolves upon her of maintaining, clothing, and educating these 

 children ; and the only aid she receives is through the donations of 

 parents and strangers, and what little the girls can earn by sewing for 

 the storekeeper. 



The accommodations for this school are far inferior to those for the 

 boys ; and I must say, I felt some astonishment that the Board of 

 Managers had not given it a helping hand. When it is stated that 

 Mrs. Coan has young children of her own, without servants to whom 

 she can trust them, it will be seen that the task of taking under her 



