THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



9 



An interesting account of the interrelationship of the tree 

 fern and the leliua is given by Rock : "Both the fern and the tree 

 are often found growing together to such an extent that it is 

 difficult to distinguish the tree trunk from the trunk of the fern. 

 The natives have an idea that the Hapii t i'i is the mother of the 

 Ohia lehua. The seeds of the Oliiii Ichua often germinate in 

 the croAvns of the tree ferns, sending down their roots along 

 the very fibrous, often water-soaked trunk. In time the fern 

 begins to die and the Ohia Ichua is left standing with stilt roots 

 of often 15 feet or more in height, after wdiich the real trunk 

 of tree commences." 



The fern forest has an inimitable charm and a distinctive 

 beauty. In architecture and atmosphere, it is unique. There is 

 no other forest canopy that feathers the blue sky with such 

 noble fretwork. Its plumy frond spray is an incarnation of the 

 humid air, the gentle breezes, and the trancjuil filtered sunshine 

 of its environment. There are no noisy wind-tossed leaves 

 upon its velvet aisles ; there are no crackling twigs to startle the 

 wanderer in these green lit corridors. The sweet notes of the 

 i'kvi bird tinkle bright as sunbeams through the fern domes ; 

 the brihiant scarlet of its plumage contrasts pleasingly with the 

 great green feathers of its home. Her radiant fern groves will 

 long remain among Hawaii's noblest treasures. 



