388 



DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS. 



dered somewhat uneven by minor undulations, yet almost everywhere 

 as much as four thousand feet in elevation. Along the whole Southern 

 side of the island, the descent is gradual ; from the West round to the 

 Northwest, an abrupt precipice falls directly into the sea; thence 

 around the North side to the Northeast, the precipice falls on basal 

 ridges and a strip of territory interposed before the sea : in the East, 

 the Table-land seems less regular, and Mount Waialiali was described 

 as projecting above the general level an additional thousand feet, so 

 that from the apex, " Oahu at certain times becomes visible." 



We landed at Koloa, on the Southeast end of Tauai; where, under 

 partial Windward exposure, the surface, not so barren as around Hono- 

 lulu, is covered with grasses, and affords some pasturage ; adobes or sun- 

 dried brick being already complained of, as not proving permanent. 



On the 28tb, our party separated : Mr. Brackenridge and myself 

 keeping on the Southern or Leeward side of the island ; which, as we 

 proceeded, altogether resembled the Leeward side of Oahu. At the 

 end of "fifteen miles," we arrived at Waimea; the mission-station of 

 Rev. Mr. Whitney, where we passed the night. 



On the 29 tb, accompanied by two native guides, we commenced the 

 ascent : which proved extremely regular and gradual ; a deep moun- 

 tain-ravine containing a stream of water far below us, continuing all 

 the way on our right. The ground was at first extremely barren ; 

 but by degrees became covered with short withered grass; scattered 

 ferns next made their appearance ; and at the end of about nine miles, 

 we reached the first trees, in two or three patches that supply the vil- 

 lage with wood. Farther on, trees became more frequent ; accompa- 

 nied by a remarkable gen. Loheliac, its stout simple stem, eight to 

 fifteen feet high, terminating in a cluster of very long DracjBua-like 

 leaves. At the end of " twelve miles" in all, we arrived at the Half- 

 way cabin ; situated fairly within the border of the forest, but the 

 trees seldom attaining even medium size ; consisting of Acacia lietero- 

 l)hyUa and Metrosideros ; with, among the undergrowth, a frequent 

 Epacrideoiis shrub, and a Vaccinkim. 



We stopped for the night in this uninhabited place : the weather 

 at Si P.M. very slightly rainy, and the sympiesometer outside of the 

 cabin marking the temperature of 69° Fahr., and the elevation of six 

 hundred and fifty fathoms : and in the same position on the 30th, at 7 

 A.M., a slight rain falling, 72° in temperature, and six hundred and 

 fifty fathoms in elevation. 



