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THE HONGKONG
Government Gazette.
Published by Authority.
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the 1st lowing RJAU, RJAU,
No. 5.
VICTORIA, SATURDAY, 1ST FEBRUARY, 1873.
VOL. XIX.
Av. 15.
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GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
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The following Report from the Superintendent of the Government Gardens, is published for general information.
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By Command,
CECIL C. SMITH,
Acting Colonial Secretary,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 1st February, 1873.
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GOVERNMENT GARDENS, HONGKONG, 31st December, 1872.
SIR,I have the honour to present the first Annual Report on the Government Gardens, and 31 ma Tree Planting Department.
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GOVERNMENT GARDENS.
1. Appearance of-As the principal part of my duties is occupied in superintending the Public Gardens, I shall first report on their progress since assuming their superintendence, and Co. also on their present condition. In consequence of the absence of typhoons and strong winds during
the past summer, the plants in the Gardens have presented a healthier and more symmetrical ap pearance than they did in the corresponding season of 1871, when, owing to the above causes, many of the plants were seriously injured. To give one instance out of many, I have only to remind you of the magnificent appearance which the bracts of the Poinsettias have presented during the last few months. Now, the same plants in 1871 were completely denuded of their leaves by the second typhoon of that year, at the time when the growth of the new shoots was being completed, and the formation of bracts and flowers were commencing.
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2. Alterations and Improvements.-These have been few and insignificant, chiefly consisting in the substitution of stout wire stays instead of the unsightly bamboo ropes, which were previously used for the support of the larger frees and shrubs. Those beds also which surroundell the stems of trees and shrubs have been turfed over in those cases where it was thought advisable. alteration has materially improved the general appearance of the Gardens.
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3. Orchid Ilouse.-A structure 32 feet long, 21 feet wide, and 8 feet high, thinly thatched with grass, similar to enclosures of the same kind in use in the Calcutta Royal Botanic Gardens, has been constructed for growing Orchids and Ferns. A few Orchids have been obtained from Manila and Java, in addition to kinds which are indigenous to Hongkong. The successful growth which the Orchids have made during the past season, and the healthy condition they are now in, r every encouragement for their further introduction. It is greatly to be wished that East Jean, South American, and other well-known Orchids could be obtained to enrich the collection of is beautiful and interesting class of plants, but as yet, considerable difficulty has been experienced. in attempting to procure them.
A. Ferns.
Since assuming the duties of my department, a collection of Ferns has been made ad systematized. Between seventy and eighty species of Ferns have been collected in Hongkong d from the adjacent mainland and islands. I have to thank Mr. T. P. PULLINGER, R.N., for the Valuable assistance he has given me in forming this collection. A Fernery has also been prepared for reception of Ferns in the vicinity of the Orchid house.