The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1894-02-13
CORRESPONDENCE.

The natural resources of the Haw-
allan Islands have been developed to
only a fraction of their extent. Their
wealth lies chiefly in agricultural pro-
duets, for which the fertile soil and
good climate are favorable. Other
resources, such as geographical loca-
ton with reference to commerce, eli
matte advantages for invalids, and
beautiful scenery are not so immedi-
tely controlled and made source of
profit as the products of the soil, but
they should claim share Of our atten-
ton and should be the means of bring
ing many visitors to these islands. AT
present there is not so much as
hitching post or shelter against the
violent wind and frequent rain, at the
famous Nuuanu Pail.
Less than fifty years ago it was
thought that wheat could not be raised
in California without irrigation. Later
it was found that irrigation was not
necessary, but even then only the val
lev lands were considered available.
Still later it was found that with
proper cultivation some of the hill
lands held the moisture best. The
present extent and value of the fruit
industry in California has been at
tanned after vast amount of expert
ment and interchange of ideas. Other
localities have had similar experience,
and have thus increased the number
and the amount of their products.
Hawaii, particularly, needs crops
which require less water than do sugar
cane and rice, crops which will utilize
the large areas OF fertile land which
have hitherto remained uncultivated.
The efforts of Mr.. Marsden, Commits
sioner of Agriculture, are in the right
direction, and they have good pros
pect OF success The list of imports
contains several products which should
be raised here.
Sugar will continue 10 be the lead
ing crop. There is opportunity for
duction. For this and for other crops
the proposed experiment station is of
great importance. Rotation of crops
cannot be resorted to in this country
as conveniently as elsewhere, and
other means are required to restore to
the soil the ingredients removed by
continuous production.
The aggregate rainfall is abundant,
but its irregular distribution as to time
and locality makes the available
water supply comparatively small.
There are few favorable sites for large
storage reservoirs. Nearly the entire
water supply for irrigation has been
taken directly from the daily flow of
streams, springs, and artesian wells.
There is opportunity for further water
development. Eva plantation is a
notable example of irrigation by
pumping from artesion wells.
Within the past year five nrtesian
wells have been bored at the Waianae
plantation, and it is proposed to dou-
bic its product of sugar. In the Wal
alua District water flo rs to waste even
in the dryest season, and water can
readily he obtained in large guam lily
from artesian wells. By pumping to
only half the elevation as at Eva,
the area Of sugar land can be
doubled. In both these districts, as
well as in Eva and Koolau, there are
large areas of fertile, arabic land with
moisture insufficient for sugar cane
and rice, but sufficient for other valu-
able crops.
To make lands available, they
should be made accessible. Roads
and railways are needed, and it will
pay, both directly AMI Indirectly, TO
build them. The introduction of
such new crops as above indicated,
with the probable increase in sugar
production will soon more than dOu-
bic the present traffic.
Much more than this will occur.
This is only an example of what can
readily be done. The other islands Of
the group afford equal opportunities
for development. During the dull
times we may at leaet take an account
Of stock.
e. III. KLUEGEL.
Honolulu, Feb. 10, 1894.