282 PAUMOTU GROUP AND 



For this reason I would recommend Lahaina and Hilo Bay, to those 

 vessels which only require refreshment, as being the preferable stopping- 

 places. 



During this time, observations were had for the rating of our chro- 

 nometers, and many other duties were performed, besides finally 

 settling up the accounts of the squadron, which occupied us until the 

 3d of April, when the Vincennes left the harbour and anchored in the 

 outer roads, leaving the Porpoise to follow as soon after as possible. 



Although I have mentioned various productions of the soil of the 

 Hawaiian Islands, in describing the several districts that were visited, 

 yet it may be as well to record in this place, those we found indigenous 

 to the islands. They consist of the following important plants. 



Taro (Caladium esculentum), of which they have thirteen varieties: 

 ipulemo akea is that most cultivated. It is planted at all seasons of the 

 year, usually in patches which are also used as fish-ponds. All parts 

 of the taro are used: the leaves form, when cooked, what is termed 

 "luau," and from this the natives give the name of luau to every 

 thing cooked with them : as luau pig, or luau dog. The taro of the 

 upland is the same kind as that grown in the water. 



The yam (Dioscorea), uhi of the natives, is not so plentiful nor so 

 good, at this group, as we found it on the islands in the South Pacific. 



Arrow-root (Tacca) : this already begins to form an article of com- 

 merce, and might be much improved, both by cultivation and in its 

 preparation, which ought to be taught to the natives. It must even- 

 tually form an important object to those who trade with this group. 



Sweet-potato : this vegetable some think may have been introduced 

 by the Spaniards. There are thirty-three varieties of it, nineteen of 

 which are of a red colour, and thirteen white. 



Sisymbrium grows about Honolulu, and is used by the residents as 

 a salad. 



Fern-root (Blechnum), the core of which is eaten by the natives. 



Cocoa-nuts are plentiful, but little used. 



Papaw apple (Carica papaya) is abundant. 



Rose apple (Eugenia) is plentiful, and a very fine fruit. 



Bananas, plantains, abundant. 



Candle-nut (Aleurites triloba), tutui of the natives. The oil of this 

 nut is becoming an article of commerce, and is said to answer for 

 painting. 



Bread-fruit (Artocarpus incisa), of which there is only one species. 



Pandanus, " lauhala" is one of the most useful trees they have : the 

 leaves are used for making baskets, mats, and for thatching their 

 houses. The women make necklaces from the nuts. 



