HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1953
are conducted on eleven acres of paddy land and four acres of vegetable land. Work on pure-bred livestock and horti- cultural studies is also undertaken here.
On the pig and poultry stations, studies have been pro- gressing for some years on the crossing of various breeds of imported boars with local sows, and the crossing of imported pedigree breeds of poultry with the local Cantonese hen. This work has now reached the stage of clear cut extension pro- grammes readily acceptable to farmers.
The local swine are prolific breeders, hardy and more resistant to common diseases than imported stock. They lack, however, in other respects, but selected types bred to Berkshire and Middle White boars produce quick growing, hardy offspring of desirable characteristics acceptable to the trade.
Work is nearly complete on the production of a desirable cross with the local Cantonese hen. This work was designed to produce a fast-maturing hybrid suitable for the local market.
The animal disease control section of the division is well organized and has an outstanding record in the control of endemic diseases and major outbreaks. This work has been the dual responsibility of the Director of Agriculture and the Veterinary staff of the Urban Services Department. It is proposed, in 1954, to transfer the Veterinary staff as a separate division under the control of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Forestry
Forestry services are organized in a separate division under the control of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The land area of the Colony is small and with such a large population it cannot be self supporting in timber and other forest products. The purpose of forestry in Hong Kong
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