It stands
on a natural lawn, with abrupt slopes, sprinkled with orange trees
burdened with fruit, ohias, and hibiscus. From the back verandah
the forest-covered mountains rise, and in front a deep ravine widens
to the grassy slopes below and the lonely Pacific,--as I write, a
golden sea, on which the island of Niihau, eighteen miles distant,
floats like an amethyst.
The solitude is perfect. Except the "quarters" at the back, I think
there is not a house, native or foreign, within six miles, though
there are several hundred natives on the property. Birds sing in
the morning, and the trees rustle throughout the day; but in the
cool evenings the air is perfectly still, and the trickle of a
stream is the only sound.
The house has the striking novelty of a chimney, and there is a fire
all day long in the dining-room.
I must now say a little about my hosts and try to give you some idea
of them. I heard their history from Mr. Damon, and thought it too
strange to be altogether true until it was confirmed by themselves.
{303} The venerable lady at the head of the house emigrated from
Scotland to New Zealand many years ago, where her husband was
unfortunately drowned, and she being left to bring up a large
family, and manage a large property, was equally successful with
both.
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