254 
The zonation of plants offers another striking series of 
problems. All are familiar with the changes in the vegetation 
noticed as one travels from the beach up into the mountains. 
Study has already shoAvn that the various species of plants 
inhabit more or less definite geographical zones, but these 
zones of distribution are only partially known. 
The life and customs of the ancient Hawaiians is to the 
botanist a fruitful field for study. The language abounds in 
picture-words drawn from or relating to the phenomena of 
plant life. The ancient meles contain many references to im- 
portant native plants, such as the cocoanut, made, lehua, 
milo, etc. Habitations, clothing, canoes, weapons and 
utensils, vessels and containers, medicines, fibers, and the 
bulk of the food supply, were all derived from plants. The 
Plawaiian’s relation to the plants of his environment was in- 
timate and minute, and it is very unfortunate that their ex- 
tensive plant lore has so largely passed into oblivion. 
There is not only this rich abundance of indigenous plant 
life, but also a bewildering variety of introduced plants. These 
have been brought in from all parts of the world, though 
chiefly from tropical and temperate regions. Shade and orna- 
mental trees, fruit trees, trees suitable for windbreaks and 
lumber, are of interest to the dendrologist. There is a great 
diversity of flowering plants, grasses, ornamental shrubs and 
vines, vegetables and small fruits, each species being usually 
represented by a number of varieties. ^lanifold questions 
arise as to acclimatization, relations to insects and fungi, 
structural and physiological modifications due to new envir- 
onment. The solution of such problems affords the botanist 
opportunity for the full exercise of his knowledge and ability. 
The marine flora deserves special mention. The ancient 
Hawaiians used as food a great variety of seaweeds (limu), 
and carried on Avithin the fish ponds a culture of certain 
species. The zonal distribution of these mi.arine algae has not 
been studied as yet, and our numerous coral reefs still aAvait 
detailed biologic iuA^estigation. The deep-sea regions im- 
mediately adjacent to the islands are, in general, unexplored. 
The high mountain flora also merits scientific attention, 
for, although much of the systematic collecting of the past 
has been done in these regions, there is little AA'ork of an 
ecological nature. In such marked enAuronments the eco- 
logical problems are of paramount interest. 
III. Horticultural Conditions in Hawaii. 
HaAvaii is as unique in its horticulture as in its botany. 
The ancient HaAvaiians had a highly deA^eloped intensiA'e 
system of crop production that, although termed agriculture, 
Avas truly horticultural in its principles and practices. This 
