69 
grazed between the cane fields and the reserve boundary, the 
necessity for fencing these sections of the forest line is obviated. 
Similarly, behind Lahaina only a few head of plantation stock, 
work animals and the like, are pastured and these only in fenced 
enclosures. In Kaanapali, the fence of the private forest reserve 
of the Honolua Ranch shuts cattle off from the mountain, while 
elsewhere, with the exception of a few comparatively short 
stretches, the greater part of the forest line follows natural bar- 
riers. Provided the existing fences are maintained, the forest 
on the mountain will be as well protected as can be expected till 
the Government is in a position to lend a hand in such work. It 
is the expressed intention of the private interests involved to keep 
the existing fences in good condition. Therefore, for the present, 
the reserve boundary may be regarded as provided for. 
In view of the statement just made, it may not be amiss to call 
attention to the fact that the present situation of the Government 
in regard to fencing forest reserve lines is one that ought to be 
improved. In many instances, were this Department able to 
fence short stretches across Government land, the adjoining pri- 
vate owners would be willing to continue the line. At the next 
session of the Legislature, an effort should be made to secure a 
specific appropriation for this purpose. 
Goats. 
In parts of the proposed reserve are bands of wild goats that 
are doing serious damage to the forest. Every reasonable method 
of getting rid of these pests should be encouraged and as soon as 
it is financially possible, systematic hunting to exterminate them 
should be begun. Fortunately, the West Maui Forest is rela- 
tively free from other sources of injury. 
The Forest. 
It is not within the province of this report to discuss the char- 
acter of the forest on the West Maui Mountain. Its object is to 
deal with the exterior boundaries rather than in detail with the 
forest within. But it may be noted in passing that Hillebrand 
speaks of the swampy area at the summit of Mount Eke as being 
botanically one of the most notable spots in the islands. 
Except for a few open places on the lower slopes, near the 
boundary line, the whole top of the mountain is covered with a 
heavy cover of vegetation. Trees, creepers, undergrowth, ferns 
and mosses cover the steep ridges and make climbing almost im- 
possible outside of the few and scattered trails. It is withal a 
cover admirably adapted for a protection forest. The reserve 
should be so managed as to insure its being kept intact. 
PRIVATE RESERVES. 
For a number of years the greater part of the area, now pro- 
posed to be set apart, has actually been treated as a forest reserve, 
