PRODUCTION
7I
are being made in oyster culture methods. The area con- centrated on consists of 4,575 acres on the New Territories side of the Bay. Three areas of 10 acres each have been taken over by the Department, and following demonstrations of the Japanese hanging-drop method of culture (a consider- able improvement on local traditional methods), the acreage under cultivation is now being gradually extended into deeper water. Annual production, valued at $1,400,000, is about 1,000 tons of fresh oyster meat, the bulk of which is processed into dried meat and into juice, for export.
In Tolo Harbour attempts are being made to introduce edible oysters, and two varieties of pearl oyster are under observation.
There are about 500 acres of ponds used for fish farming, producing annually about 350 tons of carp and mullet. After three successive years of experimenting on raising carp in rice-fields, it is now considered that, for various reasons, this form of culture is not at present suited to local farming requirements.
Dealers exported 22m. fish fry by air and sea, the main destinations being Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan.
Further statistical data on the fishing industry are given below, under Marketing.
FORESTRY
Forestry plays a dual rôle in Hong Kong. In the catch- ment areas of the Colony's ever-expanding water supply system, a thick forest cover is essential to prevent erosion and silting of reservoirs, and to promote regularity of stream- flow by inducing maximum retention of water in the soil. In other areas, well-managed village forests can provide the rural population with an added source of income from the sale of timber, as well as with stakes for agricultural purposes and small timber for the construction of houses and animal pens. The chief rural fuel is
grass.
The Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is the prime mover in all that concerns afforestation.
To meet the needs of an increased planting programme, started in 1954, the Division continued its training of senior staff and the establishment of nurseries and district forest