The Hawaiian gazette., 1904-01-19
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There are two thoroughly distinct
types of forest in the Hawaiian Islands.
One type occurs near sea-level in the
drier portions of the islands and is
valuable on account of the timber and
other products which it yields. The
other type is found on the mountain
slopes at elevations of 900 to 5000 feet,
where there is rainfall of so to 200 or
more inches per year. 1t has little COM
rnercial but high protective value. In no
case do the two forests intermingle or
meet.
THE ALGAROBA FOREST.
The forest which occurs near sea-
level consists of a single species, and
this introduced. 1t is the Mesquite of
the Southwestern Pains and is called
Agaroba (Prosopis julflora.)
The first Algaroba tree sprang from
a seed planted in 1887 by Father Baehe-
lot, founder OF the Roman Catholic mis-
sion. This tree, which is the progenitor
OF forests of fully $4,000 acres in extent,
yet stands in thrifty condition in Homo
lulu. 1t is about feet in diameter and
so feet tall.
On the Island of Oahu the Algaroba
forest, covering about 10000 acres, ex-
tends in a narrow but almost continuous
belt from the southeastern point, along
the south and west coasts, which are pro-
tected by the trade winds to the north
western point. On the other islands it
occupies the same relative position,
reaching up the low, dry slopes for sew
eral hundred feet, often on ground so
stony and sterile as to be utterly waste
for other purposes. Everywhere it is
an aggressive forest and is fast gaining
ground.
In Hawaii the species grows in much
denser stand, and both taller and
straighter than in the United States.
Where fully established it shades the
ground so thoroughly as to keep out all
90 feet high.
Situated as they are, the Algaroba
forests are much more accessible than
the mountain forests. The wood has
high fuel value and when used as fence
posts lasts we'll in the ground. 1t
scarcely needs saying that these prod
ucts are in great demand and that there
is extensive cutting in these forests.
After cutting, the growth renews itself
rapidly by both seedlings and sprouts,
so that within three or four years it has
as complete possession of the ground as
before.
A very important feature of the Alga-
roba forest, and one interesting alike to
the forester and the stockman. is that
the pods borne by the tree in great album
dance are nutritious food for stock. The
pods ripcn during the summer months
and fall to the ground. where they are
either eaten direct by the cattle, horses,
and pigs, or are picked tip to be fed.
Forming, with the exception of grasses,
the most important animal food in the
islands. they are a boon to stockmen,
who fatten cattle on them during July
and August, when the pastures are usu-
ally dry.
Stock do no injury in the Algaroba
forests, either to standing trees or re-
production. In eating the pods they
do not break the small horny seeds.
which pass on through the alimentary
system, where they are well prepared
for termination. Stock are solely re-
sponsiblc for the rapid and wide extern
sion of this tree.
The Algaroba forests are a valuable
asset for Hawaii They have no enc.
mics, they have tremendous powers OF
reproduction and extension, and, best
of all, they are so highly appreciated
for their situation and products that
they will be cared for by the individual
without special action on the part of
the government.
THE MOUNTAIN FORESTS.
These forests are irregularly distrib
uated at elevations between 1000 and
5000 feet Their quality, growth and
even presence are strongly influenced
by the northeast trade winds, which
during the greater part OF the year keep
the windward mountain slopes Saiu
rated by frequent rains. Where the rain
fall is heaviest the forests are densest.
Sugar cane, the all-important crop in
Hawaii, occupies the land from few
ton, and is present wherever there is
and an accessible supply OF water Al
most without exception, where there
was forest under these conditions it has
been cleared and the land devoted to
cane. AboveNthe cane fields the plains
and gentle slopes are often desirable
grazing lands, and are commonly used
for that purpose; so that much OF the
land between the elevations named is
not foreStcd at all.
The islands of Hawaii and Maui are
the only ones having elevations above
the timber-line, which is sharply defined
at from 5000 TO 5000 feet. This is
surprisingly low, considering the excel
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