88 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



pared for the desert-like appearance of Oaliu ; a considerable por- 

 tion of the soil being absolutely devoid of vegetation. It is true, we 

 had approached one of the most arid districts ; though throughout 

 the group, the proportion of soil capable of cultivation, is extremely 

 limited. The recent introduction of the use of sun-dried brick on the 

 leeward side of the islands, affords sufficient proof of this aridity. 



There exists, however, at the Hawaiian Group, a singular epitome 

 of climates, with a very local distribution of the rains. The windward 

 side of the islands, is in some places subject to excess of moisture ; and 

 even one portion of Honolulu, being more open to the valley, receives 

 showers that do not extend to the remainder of the town. The dif- 

 ference in climate from Middle Polynesia, is further illustrated ; by 

 the orange succeeding only on Tauai, and in a single district; by 

 the guava being local and cultivated ; and by the bread-fruit being 

 scarcely found in perfection beyond the vicinity of Hilo. 



Honolulu at a distance might be mistaken for a European village; 

 but on nearing it, the preponderance of native liouses imparts a deci- 

 ded Feejeean aspect. It is a new and flourishing commercial town, 

 and the principal seat of innovation on aboriginal customs. Natives 

 were continually attracted to it from all parts of tlie group; often 

 from mere curiosity; "and many were afterwards compelled to re- 

 main, from the inability of paying their expenses home." A remark- 

 able variety of mixed costume was to be seen in the streets, often gay 

 and tastefully arranged ; and there being no prevailing rule or fashion, 

 it afforded quite a study for artists. 



It was a novelty in Polynesia to see persons along the roads, bring- 

 ing wood, charcoal, and provisions of various kinds, to supply a mar- 

 ket; in short, a subdivision of labour, and regular system of industry, 

 in accordance with the customs of Europeans. It appeared further, 

 that salt, manufactured principally from sea-water, had become an 

 important article of exportation to the countries on the Pacific, from 

 Chili to Kamtschatka: and that sugar, tutui oil, and arrow-root, also 

 entered into Hawaiian commerce. 



Engraving, was an unexpected accomplishment to find among 

 Polynesians : and some drawings of ships were shown to me, which 

 exhibited a neatness and a correctness in minute detail, not often 

 met with. I witnessed at the mission schools, the remarkable uni- 

 versal talent and fondness for mathematical pursuits; about which 

 so much has been said. Printing, too, was conducted by natives, 

 under foreign superintendence. And the missionaries had furnished 



