Page:The Pacific Monthly volumes 1-3.djvu/62



EVER since the downfall of their royal government, the Hawaiian islands have drawn to themselves an amount of interest seemingly disproportionate to their size and importance. It is only seemingly, however, for this interest in reality corresponds to their worth to this country, both on account of their intrinsic value and strategic importance. The attention that they have received has been lately increased in the United States owing to the recent annexation. Any information concerning them may, therefore, be especially acceptable at this time.

The Sandwich or Hawaiian islands (as they are now known), consist of a group of eight islands lying about 2000 miles from San Francisco, and comprising an area of 6700 square miles. They were discovered by Captain Cook in 1778, who gave them the name of Sandwich islands, in honor of the Barl of Sandwich. In 1820 missionaries from America landed at Honolulu, which is situated on the island of Oahu, and this date marks the beginning of an interesting period in the islands' history. Idolatry and cannibal- ism, both of which had been practiced to some extent, were soon discarded, and the majority of the inhabitants accepted Christianity.

The natives are a most interesting people. Mr. Ellis, the famous English missionary, who visited the islands short- ly after 1820, said of them: "The inhabi- tants of these islands are considered, physically, amongst the finest races of the Pacific. . . . This in all proba- bility arises from their salubrious cli- mate and their chief articles of food."

Mr. Stevens, in his book on "Pictur- esque Hawaii," says: "One day to the luxurious Kanaka is as another. The struggle for life does not fret his soul, nor fill his thoughts with 'the winter of its discontent' Today's comfort fills his horizon, and there is only one day in his calendar. It is the luxuriant prolificness of the islands that makes the native the happy-go-lucky fellow that he is." The Kanakas delight in swimming, and they swim with remarkable skill and ease. In surf-swimming, a very astonishing sport, "they balance themselves whilst standing or sitting on a board, which is carried landwards on the crest of a great roller."

The chief products of the islands are taro, sugar cane, coffee, pineapples, rice and cocoanuts. The most important of these to the native is the taro. It forms the

national dish, called "poi," which the na- tives rely upon for their sustenance. The taro plant is easily cultivated, and the yield to an acre is remarkable. It has been estimated that an acre of land will yield on an average of 28,000 pounds of cooked and pounded taro per annum. This yield would sustain 18 men for 12 months. Mr. Stevens, in the book above referred to, says of taro: "It is excellent in case of sickness, being easily digested and withal very nourishing," and Mr. Ellis observed that the remarkable physi- cal condition of the Hawaiians is due to their food. He mentions taro as espe- cially effacious in producing good re- sults. This being true, it has long been a matter of wonder that such an impor- tant food should not be known to the world at large. Arrangements have at last been made, however, for the intro- duction of taro into the United States. It comes to us under the name of "Ta- roena," and is receiving a warm welcome. Physicians especially find in it a long- Tnoked-for remedy, and one writes from Los Angeles to this effect:

"I have noted the wonderful qualities nt taro; it has been proved of the greatest value in all cases where a food is wanted that is a system builder, easily digested and agreeable to all patients suffering from dyspepsia or any chronic digestive trouble, while as a food for the debili- tated conditions following typhoid fever, or any of the wasting diseases, it is, in my opinion, superior to all other foods."

It is said, and all trials substantiate the statement, that Taroena is an ideal food, especially for dyspeptic conditions, indigestion and consumption. It has never been known to fail as a perfect food for infants. The Hawaiians use it from the day that they are born. It is also believed to prevent seasickness, and to cure the most acute cases of vomiting.

Mr. Stevens' book has created much interest in this country, but it is not so much for the enlightenment as regards the Hawaiians, as it is for the light that he has thrown on taro and the benefit to mankind which will follow therefrom, that we feel grateful to him. Taro, or Taroena, as it is called in America, and which is taro with nothing added or taken away, is a nature-made food. It can be obtained at present from any druggist, though a movement, which it is hoped will soon be consummated, is also being made by grocers to carry it in stock.