THROUGH HAWAII. 
219 
on their backs with small bands over their shoulders, 
in the same manner that a soldier fastens on his knap¬ 
sack. Having also ourselves a small leather bag con¬ 
taining a bible, inkstand, note-book, compass, &c. 
suspended from one shoulder, a canteen of water from 
the other, and sometimes a light port-folio, or papers, 
with specimens of plants besides, our whole party 
appeared, in this respect at least, somewhat en mili- 
taire. 
After travelling a short distance over the open coun¬ 
try, we came to a small wood, into which we had not 
penetrated far, before all traces of a path entirely 
disappeared. We kept on some time, but were soon 
brought to a stand by a deep chasm, over which we 
saw no means of passing. Here the natives ran about 
in every direction searching for marks of footsteps, just 
as a dog runs to and fro when he has lost the track of 
his master. 
After searching about half an hour, they discovered 
a path, which led some distance to the southward, in 
order to avoid the deep chasm in the lava. Near the 
place where we crossed over, there was an extensive 
cavern. The natives sat down on the top of the arch 
by which it was formed, and began eating their sugar¬ 
cane, a portable kind of provision usually carried on 
their journeys, while we explored the cavern in hopes 
of finding fresh water. In several places drops of 
water, beautifully clear, constantly filtered through the 
vaulted arch, and fell into calabashes placed under¬ 
neath to receive it. Unfortunately for us, these were 
all nearly empty. Probably some thirsty traveller had 
been there but a short time before. 
Leaving the wood, we entered a waste of dry sand. 
