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

we spent upon the edge OF huauea. ABOUT I'VE
O'Clock in the morning, was aroused from sleep b,
the bright light which the burning lake threw int
the door Of the hut The night was now beautiful
ly clear, and the lake appeared more active than
had before seen il; the myrlads of lights were fit
ting over its surface il the demons of the place
were assembling in torch-lt conclaye. For the hrs
time, far ON the right, the long and gentle curve o
Mound Leod was seen archlng against the clea
sky After breakfast on the following morning
we started our return, having filled all the empty
| calabashes with specimens of lava, scorie, anc
crystallized sulphur. The most singular product
of the volcano is the hair of the goddess Pele--s
famentose capillary lava, found only to leewart
oil the crater 1t is spun by the wind, and is IN fine
transparent, flexible flaments, resembling spun
glass, or having very close resemblance to faxer
hair. We ravished freely these tresses of the god
dess.
Those Of our party who had felt the fatigue most
and who, from their disabled and wounded feet
were compelled to walk barefoot suffered dread
fully before reaching the school-house our re-
turn; and but for the encouragement Of those in
better strength and spirits, they would have aban-
doned the idea of accomplishing this days Journey
and have lain by on the road. Expecting us on
this evening, quite company OF natives had assem-
bed from the neighborhood, having for sale stores
Of such articles of food as they supposed we might
need and as soon as we threw ourselves upon the
floor of the schoo-house they commenced, male
and female, with characteristic good nature, to re-
leve US by the lomi-lomi-two Of them seizing each
Of us.
In addition to the wonderful scenes Of nature
which this expedition had afforded US an opportu-
nifty OF beholdlng, II had made us acquainted with
very interesting traits of hanaka character, and pre-
scented the most remarkable instance that has ever
come under my observation Of the changes produced
by even low degree of civilization. On the last
morning of our stay at Kilauea, hearing voice at
very early hour under the window near which
had been sleeping, upon looking out, saw Kianul,i
upon his knees earnestly engaged in prayer; his
countenance wearing the expression of fervent de-
voton. During the last night of our stay at the
school. house, while we were lying about the floor,
the apartment being lighted by candle sustained
on Ratchet sticking in one of the posts, the Kama
kas, wanting some occupation, brought several
books from the desk printed in their own language
They were hymn books, with the notes of music
attached; and several of them who understood the
music, favored us with Kanaka hymn very agree.
ably executed. On the following morning, hav-
ing arisen earlier than my companions, directed
one of the Indians to make up the fire, and strolled
off among the neighboring huts, from one of which
heard the continued utterance of monoonous
sounds. Upon approaching the hut, and looking in
at the open door, ! saw the father of the family
kneellng upon mat in the corner, praying aloud
while the members of the family knelt in row near
him. The only words which | could understand
were "Ehovah," and ''lind;' the latter sgnifyins
ABOVE. w nat u scene, anu what WORDS Tor the nu
of native, on wild volcanic mountain of Hawaii
among people the last born of civilized discovery
many of whom, Christians of no more than adult
years. bear their persons the marks of barbarian
customs. As a careless member of community to
which christianity was birth-right trust, | fell
arrested and rebuked Never, in the "dm religious
Light" and amid the solemn paraphernaa Of Art,
sacred temples, did feel such an impulse to devo.
ton; and, invountarily, felt my own spirit Of
alteration borne along with that of these humble
worshippers The effect of proper religious in
struction was apparent, not only in ceremonies but
in the practical duties Of life Having committed
our various articles--many of which had the value
of jewels-to these Indians we had no further care
| over them. Each Kanaka made himself acquant
ed with every article committed to his caabash, and
at sign would produce il; being very careful that
it was again restored to its place. stray buttor
being picked up by one Of them, he carried il
around to every one, seeking owner; and have
been told one has been known to walk miles, to re.
turn welveand.a-halfcent piece dropped by some
traveller; yet these people few years ago thought
thieving virtue. Such gratifying changes have
been effected by national effort, but by the devo-
ted and sacrificing efforts Of few prnciped mission
aries, who have labored amid obstacles thrown in
their way by those who would have advanced then
own selfish interests by savage ignorance and vices
and even by those who, having no interest to ad.
| vance, were utterly incapable of understanding the
character and motives of men influenced by religious
principle,
"Where'er the foot of man hath trodn