horses at the head of the valley, the
visitor climbs up a precipitous slope some five hundred feet to the
oblong opening, which is now filled with a great variety of peculiar
ferns, quite unlike any to be found elsewhere. Many blooming
wild-flowers also beautified the spot whence the fiery lava poured forth
its molten stream long ages ago. Nearly a hundred marked varieties of
ferns can be gathered here in the briefest period of time by an expert
botanist. On the way thither one passes through gulches, forests, and
fields of the rankest tropical verdure, at times enjoying glimpses from
the heights, of scenery indescribably grand and beautiful, like all that
appertains to this picturesque island group, the puzzle of geologists
and geographers. Though Oahu is very mountainous, like the rest of the
Hawaiian islands, still none of these ranges reach the elevation of
perpetual snow.

The delight and favorite amusement of the natives is to get into the
saddle, galloping hither and thither in a break-neck fashion, without
any fixed purpose as to destination. Some are seen riding bare-back,
some with bridles, and some with only halters; but all are astride. The
women and young girls are particularly conspicuous in their high-colored
costumes flowing in the wind, and supplemented by streaming wreaths and
strings of flowers, while they manage their horses with consummate
skill and masculine energy.

Having observed among the natives a certain type of features and general
aspect which struck us as decidedly European, and which if genuine would
seem to be traceable far back to early generations, the idea was
expressed to a resident American, who had an interesting explanation
promptly ready for us. It seems, according to our friend's story, that
the Spaniards are accredited in the legends of Oahu with having
discovered these islands, and with several times visiting them as early
as the year 1500, thus rendering the first visit of Captain Cook no new
discovery. It is further held that Spanish galleons on their way to and
from Manila in the sixteenth century stopped at these islands for water
and fresh fruits. Of course all this is but legendary, and based on the
faintest shadow of proof. Furthermore, according to these traditions, a
couple of Spanish ships from Mexico were wrecked on the Hawaiian islands
about the year 1525, having, as was the custom in those days, a numerous
crew as well as some passengers, who mixed with and marr