Many of the natives, although able to afford habitations of a European style, still live on in those used by their ancestors.  They are generally of an oblong shape, with a very high-pitched roof, thatched with grass and plantain leaves; and as the eaves slant down to within a short distance from the ground, they have a very picturesque appearance. They are cool in summer, and are impervious to rain.  The ceilings, which are very elegant, are composed of polished bamboo, neatly interwoven, while the floors are carpeted with mats of coloured grass. The walls are decorated with a native cloth, called tapa, which serves the purpose of tapestry.  The house is divided into separate chambers at night by mats hung up on lines.  The beds are primitive; a mat serves for every purpose, and a wooden roller as a pillow.  Many of the Kanakas are well educated, and read and write not only their own, but several European languages likewise.  There is one newspaper in the Hawaian language, if not more, and several works have been published in it, while the translation of the Bible is to be seen in every native hut. Of course, all this information I picked up from different people during our stay at Honolulu.