The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-02


Hawaii. by William Maxwell Wood, M d., sur
geon United States navy. Ii is plain and UMPIRE
tending, though il might have been much more sci.
entifc and elaborate had it been DIR. Woods wish
TO make it so. But he has left, as he says, to
Others scientific description of that wonder OF
creation; aiming only TO give an account of IT. that
it might, il read, be comprehended by everybody
hope IT will be published, for too much cannot DC
known OF that most remarkable Il beheve) OF all
existing volcanoes. Dr. WIS description does not
interfere in any manner with Captain Wiikes's,
lErpiorng Expedition which is suppose, then
complete and satisfactory one extant'
| am, with great respect, yours, &c, &C,
J. C. PICKETT.
+. MARKoE, jr., esq,
Corresponding Secretary
of the National Institute.
VOLCANO OF KILAUEA on THE DEN OF PELE
nv wal MAXWELL WOOD, NJ D., suRGEoSu. $. NAVY.
In the island of Hawaii, the largest and desg-
mating island of the Hawaiian group, forty miles
from the beautiful anchorage of Byrons bay, is the
stupendous volcano of Kilauea, situated on the flank
of Mound Leod, three thousand feet above the sea;
the largest volcano in the world la crater between
twenty and thirty miles in circumference Having,
more than thousand feet down in its gloomy depths
an everburning lake of lava several miles in circum-
ference.s These were general facts, sufficient to
arouse curiosity, and to excite it to almost any diff
Guilty, for the purpose of beholdmg so wonderful q
the headquarters of its demonology the fire palace
of the dread goddess Pele
Leaving TO more competent persons the task Of q
philosophic and scientific dsquisition upon volca-
noes in general, and Klauea in particular, the OBJ
ject of the present narrative is merely to tell how
one, who travelled only for amusement, got to the
volcano, and what he saw strange and amusing,
both on the way and there. The mountain SUBMITS
of Mound Leod and Mound Ked, which form
the island of Hawaii, do not present that rug
ged and preclpitous character which is gen
orally seen in volcanic mountainous islands, but
they are marked against the sky by long and
gently curving lines, TO which a green slope
apparently rises from the seaside Although
horses were to be obtained, yet the information and
advice we received at the missionary settlement OF
Hio, rather inclined to pedestrian tour the less
arduous mode--two days being the time allowed for
the journey. 1t somewhat of rash enterprise
for persons accustomed to the naction and con-
hnement of ship TO undertake walk of twenty
miles day, under tropical sun, and over rugged
road of hardened lava; but curiosity as to the ex
tent of our abilities was undoubtedly one induce
ment to the attempt, and accordingly party was
made up for this mode of travel.
AS our absence from the ship would occupy five
days, il became necessary to carry good store OF
provisions and clothing, with sundry essential cook
ing utensils. The only mode of transporting this
luggage was upon the shoulders of the natives, or
Kanakas, as they are called. Our party consisted
of eleven persons; and we made arrangements with
friend shore to have collected at his house, the
morning Of our departure, sufficient number Of Kan
akas; and accordingly we found his yard filled with
athletic, dusky natives, eager and camorous for en-
ploynent. There being many candidates, we
became little choice, and nominated such we re-
CURED, according their physiognomical express
sion or muscular Developments suited our fancy or
judgment. Each of our party employed one for his
especial use, and two or three supernumerarics
engaged for general service; that, white and
red, clothed and naked, we formed force of TWEEN
ty-three persons. The compensation to be made
them was moderate enough fifty cents day, they
finding their own food. This latter, independent OF
the consideration of expense, is an important stipu
ation as regards spaces for, thrown upon their own
resources, a small calabash of poi Ia yellow paste
made from the taro-rooD is an enduring provision;
but, if he is to draw his supplies from his employer
there is no end to a Kanaka's voracity. The next
step was the sowage of our luggage in novel travel
ling trunks, admirably adapted to the purpose
Every Kanaka had stick about six feet in length,
which reaod upon the shoulder; and, from each end
of this stick, suspended in loose network, was an
enormous calabash Of the capacity of about hall
bushel; the opening in the top Of the Gala
bash being covered by the section of another,
which fitted completely over it. 1t was really
surprising TO see what number of articles could
be slowed in these vessels Mine not
filled by three shirts, two pairs of stockings two
blankets, one over-coa one pair ofcloth pantaloons,
spare shoes, toilet articles, towels, patent liquor
light; of course, completely mpervious to water;
and, during our hats, the tops Or sides served for
dish-tlibs, wash-hand basins, and foottubs. Our
provisions being also stoycd IN these calabashes,
and the cooking utensils suspended from the end of
one of the poles, by 8 O'Clock on bright sunny
morning all ready for departure, forming
a group Of motley costume. The precision Of our
uniforms had given place to mixed garb Of such
garments as our judgments decided to be appropri-
ate to such an expedition, selected from the odds
and ends of each PERSONS wardrobe. Our red
skinned attendants were in the most finished dress,
if they could rejoice in cotton shirt their entire
vesture. One tall, mild grave and dignfed fellow,
who had fallen to my lot, was fortunate enough 10
have long dish-cloth surtout reaching from his
neck TO his heels.
The first five miles Of our journey was in view
Of the ocean, over the green rolling ascending slope,
which have described as forming this side of the
island After long and wearisome confinement to
the ship, the feeling Of readng the springing earth,
on fine bright morning, surrounded by shrubs
and lowers--the feeling that movements, steps,
and time were at our own disposal, produced a
ightness of spirit, and temper for enjoyment, un-
known when confined to the monotony of the deck,
surrounded by the rigging, guns, and tackle Of the
ship and hedged in by all the formates and restric-
tons of a man-of-war. Atevery little distance, we
paused to look upon the varieties Of the
ed by our advance; 10 survey the pretty bay and
vllage-the ocean spreading from these to the dis
tant horizon one hand, and the green plane slo-
ping to the clouds on the other: while, in the length
of the island this varying landscape was lost in the
mistiness of distance What a beautiful, what
magnificent scene! were the frequent EXPLANATIONS
of our enthusiasm.
As we proceeded in this manner, we were not q
little interested in observing and becoming acquaint-
ed with the individual peculiarities of our Indian
companions. One was remarked for his wit and
humor, though only Ineligible to us by The Ian
gunge Of expression; second for his graviy third
for his groesque bufoonery; anotherfor his activity
several for their indoencc--whilc all were good ma
tured, obliging, and obedent. Il was a constant
wonder TO see with what light and casy activity
they stepped ran along under the heavy burdens
resting upon their shoulders. A short, chunky
round faced, smiling man, called Kai-i-nu hi on ac-
count OF his superior Intelligence and air of integrity
we made chief of his companions. My man, the
grave and dignifed Kai--nk-ni, stood only second
to him IN our good graces, We were not very sue
cessful in catching The distinctions of their similar
sounding names. With ono active, merry fellow
having particularly long and slender legs we COM