ct was supplemented by lovely flower-beds,
and groups of ornamental trees in the gardens, with here and there an
isolated Norfolk Island pine, forcing its strong individuality of shape
and foliage upon the observation. A China rose-tree full of crimson
flowers was noticed, and in a garden near the palace we saw a
peach-tree, with one side full of rosy blossoms, while the other was
decked with ripening fruit. How this was achieved we did not stop to
inquire, pausing only long enough to admire the novel and anomalous
effect. The gardens of Honolulu do not lack for water, a never-failing
supply of the precious liquid being brought from the neighboring
mountains in large iron pipes, and introduced into each city dwelling;
moreover, we were told by the residents that they have only to sink a
well ten or twelve feet deep anywhere on the plateau occupied by the
city, when an abundance of water can always be secured. It was
delightful to think that this lovely floral display to be seen all about
us, around the native shanties as well as in the grounds of the better
classes, was not confined to any one season, but that the various months
of the year were severally beautified with roses, lilies, and the
thousand and one gems of Flora's kingdom grown out-of-doors.

The race-course of Honolulu is situated four or five miles from the city
proper, and is reached by a hard, well-kept, level road passing, it
seemed, through one continuous tropical garden. Here was presented to us
a gay and interesting picture of strong local color. The course occupies
ample grounds laid out and fenced in the usual circular style of a
one-mile track. The racing was conducted by the Jockey Club of the city,
who certainly introduced on this occasion some remarkably well-bred
animals. However they may have become possessed of the money, the
natives, high and low, seemed to have plenty of loose cash to bet with,
and the silver dollars were rapidly passed from hand to hand as each
trial came to an issue. It was all conducted upon the cash principle; no
accounts seemed to be kept, but settlements were made then and there,
between the races. The scene was enlivened with music furnished by the
king's native band, composed of twenty-eight colored men led by a German
conductor. This band is certainly under remarkable discipline and very
scientific instruction, and few similar organizations of white men in
America can be truthfully said to excel them. They were uni