62 



HA WAIL 



[letter VI. 



active pursuits, exacted lomi-lomi as a constant service from 

 their followers. 



A number of Hilo folk came in during the evening to inquire 

 how we had sped, and for news of the volcano. I think the 

 proximity of Kilauea gives sublimity to Hilo, and helps to lift 

 conversation out of common-place ruts. It is no far-off spec- 

 tacle, but an immediate source of wonder and apprehension, 

 for it rocks the village with earthquakes, and renders the con- 

 struction of stone houses and plastered ceilings impossible. 

 It rolls vast tidal waves with infinite destruction on the coast, 

 and of late years its fiery overflowings have twice threatened 

 this paradise with annihilation. Then there is the dead volcano 

 of Mauna Loa, from whose resurrection anything may be feared. 

 Even last night a false rumour that a light was to be seen on 

 its summit brought everyone out, but it was only an increased 

 glare from the pit of Hale-mau-mau. It is most interesting to 

 be in a region of such splendid possibilities. 



I. L. B. 



