“ Hawaii is the largest military outpost of the United States and was much affected by the declaration of war between the United States and Germany. The National Guard was brought to the maximum point of enlistment and efficiency and took over the policing of the islands. Eight German vessels and gunboats, which had been interned at Honolulu at the outbreak of the war, were seized by the United States Navy, following the declaration of war with Germany. ”

“ The Oceanic Steamship Company operates steamers between San Francisco and Australia, touching at Honolulu. There are other lines operating from Canada to Australia and Australasia, and from China to San Francisco, touching at Honolulu. Most of the inter-island traffic is conducted by the Inter-island Steam Navigation Company, which operates a fleet of 11 steamers. There are about 350 miles of steam railway in the islands. These carried in 1920, 2,054,568 passengers. Many of the large plantations operate their own railroads. ”

“ Climate, Soil and Productions.— Though the islands are entirely within the tropics the climate is mild, tempered by the N. E. trade winds, blowing nine months of the year. The rainfall in the mountain region is quite abundant, but on the coast slopes rain seldom falls. The soil is very fertile, being formed by the disintegration of the volcanic rocks and decay of vegetable matter. There is abundance of good pasturage, and cattle and sheep raising are important industries. ”