Polynesian., 1858-10-16
No. 24
MIR. Andrew Gnrre11. The Na,ur,,;.,

Some eleven years ago. in visits among the sbips
in the harbor Of Honolulu, met an American sailor
who attracted attention by his enthusiasm in col
Letting shells, and making accurate drawings of the nu
merous specimens in his possession. He then be-
fore the mast in the Z. /. B. Jelny Capt Allen a
sperm whaleship. We recollect to have accompanied
him TO the forecaste, and behed with delight the COL
lection which he had already made. In reolv to the
question, Why did you ship before the mast - he an
sWered, ''ln order TO study cOnchOOgv' Years have
elapsed, and now it is our privilege to meet Mr. Gar
rett, the genealogical sailor We are happy to learn
that during the years which have intervene since our
first interview, he has been actively and constantly en-
gagged IN the study Of Natural History in its various
departments Of eonchology, botany, ichyoogy ento-
mOlogy, ornitholOsy, &c. lie is now EMPLOYED by the
most learned Naturalist Of the age, Professor Agassiz
Of Cambridge University, Massachusetts, to collect
specimens Of all the fish in the around the Sand
wien Islands. Already he has succeeded in collecting
about 300 different varieties and in preparing colored
drawings of the same. We have seen specimens of
these drawings. and are impressed with their f-ke
appearance. Mr.. q. informs US that the celebrated
NaturaiSs of the United States preparing to pub
lish extensively upon the natural history Of the Sand
wch Islands Prof ASassiz is collecting materials for
technology, Prof Gould of conchoogy, Prof Dana of
erustacea, &c. During the last few months Mr. Car
rett has been collecting specimens on Kauai having
previously spent some three four years ON Hawaii
engaged IN the same pursuit.
Last year Mr. G.. visited Tahiti and made valuable
toIy, TO be found on the Society Islands All these
were carefully prepared, boxed and shipped on board
the iI-ftted J0hH GdpiH. Of course all we're lost A
small insurance Of $500 was paid, but this amount
was far below the real value Of the collection Mr. G.
mentions one fact IN regard TO the names of the fish at
the Society Islands, which Is interesting in the wav Of
determining the common origin of the Society and
Sandwich Islanders. Mr.. g. asserts that many Of the
hsh around the Society Islands correspond with those
around this group and that the inhabitants of both
groups call them by similar if not the same names We
do not remember ever to have this fact mentioned
IN any works upon the origin Of the people of POyne-
sIa. Ii suggests a train OF Investigation which will
doubtless lead TO interesting and important results
ln concluding our remarks, We will merely add, that
1t afforded US much pleasure to learn that Mr. g. was
remarkably successful in collecting Genealogical speci
mems while attached to the Z. L. B. Je1lg He took
home vi him more than twenty of Shells col
leced in all parts Of the Pacific The voyage lasted
four years and half Capt. Allen kindly Afforded him
every fIcty Tor gathering and preser, ing his large
collection This was exceedingly praisewortay on Capt
Allen part and we hrre take pleasure in bearing our
testimony to the Captains generosity and kindness to
his Genealogical sailor Tie Friend