The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-05-27
figures will show:

lSaSA) III tuC PldhtiHR vi SCCuj Dul TIC
dry weather prevailing makes planting
dangerous experiment
The correlation between forests and
rainfall is about to find discussion at a
council of planters who will assemble
for that purpose on the arrival of Mr.
w. G.. Irwin from Honolulu. 1t is
proposed to devise efficacious means
for arresting the gradual denudation
and destruction of the forests That
the connection between rainfall and ex.
istence or non.existence Of forests is an
intimate one all are prepared to admit.
1t is further commended by some that
the gradual absorption of the timbers
on the homesteads through Hamakua
has brought this result, or at least is an
inducing factor to the condition, but
this argument must appear a ridiculous
one when one considers the almost
infinitesimal amount of land occupied
for such purposes. The rationale lies
more in the destructive action of wild
cattle and other stock roaming at will
through the woods, beating down the
underground, and afterward barking the
young Koa and other saplings. Then
again, they stamp out the moss lying on
the ground, which acts both as sponge
and blanket to the soft soil below, and
from which, if left undisturbed, little
streams of water, which finally unite to
form the larger branches, constantly
eXude.
The forests between Waimea and
Kohala and from the former place to
Kukuihaele have all but disappeared,
but it is remarkable and suggestive
fact that where tracts of land have been
enclosed by substantial fencing strong
enough to keep out the cattle, the
young shrubbery and trees spring up
with spontaneity that rapidly covers
the old decayed timber from view.
This fact is beautifully exempliied be.
low the fence line constructed by the
Kukuihaele people. The proper
remedy therefore would appear to be
the construction of a strong fence,
extending from East Hamakua to, and
enclosing the Kohala mountains. This
would prevent the ingress of wild cattle
who now as they are harassed, retire
deeper and deeper into the forests
above the cloud line, with correspond
ing damage to the remainder.
The mention of S. Kohala calls to
mind the fact that now the Road Board
Of that district is minus its Road Super.
visor. AS this gentleman was receiving
the muniicent salary of one dollar per
day. which, however, proved insufficient
to supply him with bronze dogs, ivory
clocks, Haviland ware and other appoint
mentS necessary to his cultivated taste,
he concluded to skip. Thus the par
slmonous policy Of this Road Board is
in direct Contradistinction to our own
Hilo symposium who appreciate their
supervisor to the tune of $50 per month
aggregating about I2H% of the Road
Tax funds.
Discussions as to the relative merits
of the Rose Bamboo variety vs. Lahaina
cane are now the order Of the day be
tween planters. They enunciate ir
favor of the former that the cane i.
more thrifty and hardy, that it will par
out better on the shallow soils Of the
higher benches than the Lahaina variety
and that whereas ratooning of the latt e.
has been more or less satisfactory O
late years, the ratoon yield from Rost
Bambou is very prolific; and, further
more, that it contains greater volume
of juice A number Of plantations have
just purchased Rose Bamboo wherever
available, 50 that in the near future We
may see the Lahaina entirely displaced
by Its new rival.
While the talk among sugar men il
on this and kindred matters, the subjec
Of annexation is the all-absorbing topic
throughout the length and breadth 0
this island, and il, as is reported, Won
Boss has sent circular instructions t
oppose, or at least take no active stanC
on the matter, such assumption CT powe
is ridiculeusly comical, considering tn,
liliputian second fiddle which any Won
Boss or his retainers can exert on thi
question. In a trip just concluded
through the four important districts o
the island it has been my good fortune
to meet a number of prominent Ha
wallans, whose opinions and remark
reveal state OF sentiment over which
Annexationists have no cause to fee
discouraged.
There are, as all know who hav
studied the Hawaiians, two distinc
classes, between whom the line If de
narration is sharply drawn. The ont
is represented by the men who neve
think for themselves, and who in al
matters of political moment have beer
under the domination and control O
certain political leaders. 1t is com
posed of the majority of middle-aget
Hawaiians, the most indolent, gooC
natured, inoffensive people on the fac
Of the earth, who care not for the MOI