HAWAII. 217 



it had been borne on the surface of the molten mass, and thrown off 

 on one side. 



After surveying about five miles of its extent and to within three 

 of its termination at the sea, they returned to Pahuhali, passing through 

 an extensive bamboo-brake in the forest, many of whose stems were 

 five inches in diameter. The next day they returned to the ship at Hilo. 



The district of Waimea is situated on the northwest side of the 

 island. So much of the soil of this district as lies along the coast, 

 though rich, is badly watered, and seven or eight miles in the interior 

 from Kawaihae Bay, it becomes exceedingly rocky and barren. The 

 amount of the good land is supposed to be about one hundred square 

 miles, and the greater part of this lies on the eastern side, where it is 

 well watered. The face of this district combines hills, valleys, plains, 

 and mountains. 



The high land to the eastward of Kawaihae causes an almost perpe- 

 tual calm. This mountain region is rocky, and has a burnt appear- 

 ance until the eastern side of the mountain is reached, when a dense 

 forest and a most luxuriant vegetation succeed. 



On the south are Mauna Kea and the barren lava plains. The 

 latter lie, as we have seen, between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, 

 where desolation reigns. In this plain is said to be the remains of 

 a pathway, upwards of a mile in length, of flat stones, leading to 

 the temple of Kaili, before described in Messrs. Peale and Rich's 

 journey. 



The climate of this district is, upon the whole, unpleasant, particu- 

 larly at Waimea, in consequence of the trade-wind, which is exceed- 

 ingly strong, bringing with it a mist towards sunset. This wind 

 rushes furiously down between the mountains which bound the valley 

 of Waimea, and becomes very dangerous to shipping in the bay. It 

 is called by the natives " mumuku," and is foretold by them from an 

 illuminated streak that is seen far inland. This is believed to be 

 caused by the reflection of the twilight on the mist that always accom- 

 panies the mumuku. 



The productions of Waimea are the same as those of the other 

 districts, but it abounds also in timber of good size and quality for 

 building. This was the famous sandalwood district, whence Kame- 

 hameha procured the cargoes which he sold for the Canton market. 

 As I have before remarked, there are now no trees left larger than 

 mere saplings. The niau, or bastard sandalwood, is plentiful, and 

 considered as a fine wood for building. 



Waimea was also the principal place of export for hides, tallow, 

 and beef. Of these articles only a small amount is now exported, 



vol. iv. T 28 



