Much nomenclature is merely a quick picturing which fastens attention
upon the special feature that attracts attention; ideas are naturally
reinforced by some simple analogy. I recall a curious imported flower
with twisted inner tube which the natives call, with a characteristic
touch of daring drollery, "the intestines of the clergyman." Spanish
moss is named from a prominent figure of the foreign community "Judge
Dole's beard." Some native girls, braiding fern wreaths, called my
attention to the dark, graceful fronds which grow in the shade and are
prized for such work. "These are the natives," they said; then pointing
slyly to the coarse, light ferns burned in the sun they added, "these
are the foreigners." After the closing exercises of a mission school in
Hawaii one of the parents was called upon to make an address. He said:
"As I listen to the songs and recitations I am like one who walks
through the forest where the birds are singing. I do not understand the
words, but the sound is sweet to the ear." The boys in a certain
district school on Hawaii call the weekly head inspection "playing the
ukulele" in allusion to the literal interpretation of the name for the
native banjo.
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