256 
is, unfortunately, decadent, and little survives but deserted 
taro patches, neglected groves of bananas, and slow dying 
cocoanut plantations, to tell of its extent and marvelous 
adaptation to local conditions. From all that can be learned 
at the present time, the ancient practices were highly com- 
mendable. Arable land and available water was utilized to a 
maximum degree. The Hawaiian, moreover, as has been 
already suggested, had a minute and exact knowledge of the 
varieties of food crops (ex. taro, sweet potatoes, bananas, 
etc.) and their cultural requirements. Much of this old 
knowledge could be profitably revived. 
For example, the poor quality of the '‘Hawaiian” sweet 
potatoes commonly sold in the Honolulu markets is notorious, 
yet there are many delicious native varieties, some almost 
fruit-like in their fineness of texture and flavor. 
Another profitable field for investigation is a study of the 
horticultural methods employed by the various nationalities 
that have come into the Territory. The generally-acknowl- 
edged skill of the Portuguese in raising grapes and figs ; the 
ability that the Chinese vegetable gardener shows in exacting 
the utmost tribute from his land ; the magic touch of the 
laborious Japanese, whereby mountain slopes, old taro 
patches, and erstwhile vacant lots blossom with a thousand 
fragrant flowers ; all these are worthy of scientific study, for 
these peoples have solved many distinctly local horticultural 
problems. 
The fruits which are now of commercial importance are 
pineapples, bananas (Chinese and Jamaica), avocados, and 
cocoanuts. Each of these needs much study to the end that 
they may be definitely adapted to Hawaiian conditions. 
IV. Functions of the Department. 
The above survey of local conditions reveals some of the 
many gaps in our knowledge of Hawaiian botany and horti- 
culture. The functions of the Department of Botany and 
Horticulture are, of course, primarily to give cultural and 
practical training through the subject-matter comprehended 
by the title used. It also conducts research studies in these 
subjects, and presents facilities for graduate work therein. 
Note that the primary function of the department is training. 
The keynote of the best education of today is The Ability to 
Do. All learning should result in the nower to think correct- 
ly and to act wisely and skilfully. The training is gotten 
through specific contact with certain subject-matter. The 
young man who has taken a course in general botany should 
be able to scientifically attack a practical problem of plant 
life, and to arrive at certain verified conclusions, noon which 
definite action could be profitably based. This ability is the 
