DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Gordon Mason is traveling the globe, retracing the steps
of botanist David Douglas, whose journey came to a tragic
end on the Big Island. Mason shows a picture of Douglas.

In the footsteps
of David Douglas

A scholar retraces the journey
of the famed Scottish
botanist and explorer

By Nanette Napoleon Purnell
Special to the Star-Bulletin

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Nanette Purnell is free-lance researcher and writer
from Kailua. She has been interested in the David
Douglas story for several years. She can be reached
at 261-0705 or nanettep@hawaii.rr.com

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Gordon Mason stands in front of David Douglas'
tombstone at Kawaiaha'o Church. The Douglas fir
was named after the famed Scottish botanist, who
died on the Big Island. Mason is holding Douglas
fir pine cones from the "mother tree" in Scotland.

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