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the further introduction of Hilo grass seed into such a forest, and 
the promulgation of Rule V will accomplish this. 
Notwithstanding assertions to the contrary, the translation of 
Hilo grass seed into this area is accomplished more by trampers 
who traverse the area than by the sparse population of rats, 
mice or mongoose and birds. Who has seen mynah birds,, for 
example, in tall Hilo grass full of seeds, fly up into the air and 
make direct for this upper region ? And where would they alight 
when the forest was attained? On tree branches, naturally, 
whence whatever seed they might carry would fall to the dark 
ground beneath and fail to germinate for lack of sufficient sun- 
light or a suitable seed bed. 
I maintain that trampers are responsible for the introduction 
of seed which grew into the Hilo grass patch now found on the 
summit of Olympus, in spite of the fact that surveyors once cut 
some bushes there. It is admitted by all that trampers carry in 
grass seed along a trail. The speed with which grass infection 
will take place depends upon the number of people using the 
trail and the frequency of their trips over the trail. Just so long 
as the region is subject to visitations by human beings who must 
first cross through areas already infested with Hilo grass, and 
therefore carry grass seed with them, so long will the forest be 
exposed to a damage that is preventable. 
I maintain that Hilo grass in the area covered by Rule V is an 
element of danger which threatens the existence of the necessary 
forest on this watershed and that it is necessary to prevent added 
infection by keeping out trampers, through the promulgation and 
enforcement of this rule. 
In support of the certain damage done to the forest by the 
spread of Hilo grass under the peculiar conditions existing in 
our islands, and particularly in the region covered by Rule V, 
be it ''in direct contravention to the experience of botanists in all 
parts of the world" or not, I respectfully present and recommend 
to your careful study the attached copy of a letter dated March 
17, 1922, from Dr. H. L. Lyon, who is fully qualified by his 
intensive experience in these islands and by his intimate acquaint- 
ance with the indigenous forest, by wide observation, to discuss 
the subject. 
Fern Weevil Danger ' 
One additional reason, not hitherto brought out, for the neces- 
sity of the promulgation of Rule V, in the interest of forest pro- 
tection, is the elimination of the menace of the Austrahan fern 
weevil. This is a destructive insect which does not fly, but which 
is transported with ease from one place to another on the clothing 
and impedimenta of pedestrians. It is a destructive pest which 
attacks the tender native ferns, chiefly the amaumau. This fern 
is abundant throughout the region covered by Rule V, and should 
the weevil be transported by some unfortunate chance to this 
