om four to
six or seven thousand feet high, in many instances perpendicular. It was
a grand sight, to be remembered for a lifetime.

We dismounted from our horses, and the younger portion of the company
rambled in the woods in search of tree-shells.

"_Tree-shells!_ What are they, aunty?" asked Harry.

They are snail-shells. I think I was told that over a hundred varieties
are found on the islands, every valley and each hundred feet of
elevation having a different species. We used to notice the kind of tree
that seemed to have the most, and then searched for that tree. They
prefer the under sides of the leaves; so we would peer up in the
branches, and when we found one, would pick it off and drop it in our
pocket-handkerchief. After we were tired of "shelling," we came back to
where our elders were quietly chatting, and had a nice picnic lunch,
sitting on the grass, with fern-leaves for plates. What a sight was
before our eyes!--these majestic works of God rising thousands of feet
above us, apparently resting in clouds!

Towards the entrance of the valley is a very peculiar peak, called "The
Needle," from its being so sharp and pointed. I wanted very much to
sketch it, but started off without my materials; however grandpa had a
note-book and pencil, and I knew that he would be willing to give me a
leaf; but while we were off shelling, he left the valley and went back
to Wailuku with Mr. Alexander, they having no time for picnicking; so
what was I to do? Some of the lunch had been wrapped in white paper,
which I smoothed out, and relied on some of the party for a pencil. When
we got opposite "The Needle," I stopped my horse, and prepared myself
for sketching, but not a pencil could be found among all the party. What
do you think I did? I took a pin, and pricked the outline, and places
where the heavy shading was to be, and after I got home drew the
picture. This "Needle" has an historical interest. You remember I told
you that the heathen temple near Kowaihae was built by Kamehameha I.
before he left for the conquest of Maui. It was in this Iao valley that
the people of Maui met the king's forces. A band of warriors with their
families took refuge on this "Needle," which is accessible at such
places only as could be easily defended against a large number. The
enemy tried to starve them out, but failed. They then made believe they
had left the valley, but at night hid themselves on the banks of the
mountain stream whe