What I saw on the west coast of South and North America, and at the Hawaiian Islands.: By H. Willis Baxley, M.D.

- f te~mperature is precisely alike at Hilo and Lahaina, that at
"[l is set down at 2~ less-a difference undeserving of
consideration as affeeting the question of comparative advantage
for invalids. Th6e Pali hurricanes which sometimes reach the
last-named city, causing more sudden vicissitudes, are certainly
to be regarded as of greater importance; and the quantity and
frequency of rain throughout the year at Hiilo may make a res idence at Honolulu and Lahaina more desirable, at least to the
extent that this fact may bear upon the particular case. But in
some other respects, and especially for surpassing loveliness of
nature, Hilo and its vicinity are without a rival in these islands.
Verdure is the unchanging mantle of earth-green of endless
shades, in grass, shrub, vine, and tree, the chief adornment,
gemmed with flowers of richest hues.
A ride through the adjacent country reveals the bread fruit,
bananas of the Hawaiian, Tahitian, and choice Chinese species;
the orange, lime, pineapple, cocoanut, and guava, taro and ar rowroot, and also the coffee-tree and sugar-cane.
The coffee-tree, apparently hopelessly destroyed in these
islands by a blight which first appeared in 1857, and which the
Hon. R. C. Wyllie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed to
me an apprehension would not recover, it was gratifying to find
on my arrival at the island of Hawaii, was presenting in many
instances a vigorous growth and an abundant crop of berries,
with no sign of the insect producing it, which had suddenly
made its appearance. A very intelligent physician and natural ist, Dr. Hillebrand, of Oahu, remarked to me that it was prob able an antagonist and more powerful insect wouldappear and
prey upon and destroy the present insect causing the blight.
This is not an uncommon experience of botanists, and there are
indications that it may be realized on this island. The HIa waiian coffee has a fine flavor, by some thought to rival that of
Mocha, and to be inferior only to the Yungai coffee of Bolivia.
Its successful cultivation would add greatly to the wealth of this
kingdom.
The sugar-cane is of sure, rapid, and rich growth, eight and
nine years being here the limit of its productiveness; a longer
time, however, it is said, than on the other islands of the group.
I
PRODUCTIONS.
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