353
Planting Operations.
22. Statistics are given in Appendix B of the numbers and kinds of trees planted and of the localities where they were placed. The total number planted was 115,081.
Protective Service.
23. The protection of the whole of the Colony and Kowloon has hitherto been worked with not more than 3 Forest Guards, the present number, which for some years was sufficient to stop everything except petty pilfering of branches of trees, but now that plantations have so greatly extended and provided cover there have been many attempts, notably near Kennedy Road, behind the Happy Valley cemeteries, Causeway Bay hills, and at Kowloon, to clear away entire trees, but these depredations have been kept in check by numerous arrests, and, I am pleased to say, severer penalties imposed at the Magistracy on the culprits. It is extremely difficult for the guards to capture wood-cutters even when seen, but examinations in villages have revealed quantities of accumulated branches and tree trunks, and, fortunately, charges of unlawful possession brought against numerous villagers have resulted in convictions which, for a time at least, has secured trees from further damage or destruction, but the time has arrived when the adequate protection of trees requires that the staff of Forest Guards should be strengthened, which I trust it will be possible to effect in due course.
24. Out of 79 cases brought before the Police Magistrates by the Forest Guards 77 convictions were obtained, 44 defendants were imprisoned and 33 paid fines amounting in the aggregate to $104. There were 69 convictions in the previous year and the fines amounted to $26 in that year.
Grass Fires.
25. The year has been one of the greatest immunity from fires which has been known. Only 10 fires are recorded, and most of them were confined to the destruction of grass only. Fires which occurred within plantations were confined to very small areas, only 700 trees having been destroyed. There were 64 fires and 107,000 trees destroyed in 1890. The great immunity from fires was due to vegetation being less dry at the seasons of ancestral grave worshipping in spring and autumn when, as a rule, fire has hitherto been very carelessly handled at the graves scattered over the hills, and also, in all probability, partly owing to the exercise of more care in the use of fire in consequence of worshippers having been impressed with the importance of the prevention of fires.
26. Old fire barriers to the extent of 26 miles were cleared and 20 miles of new ones made during the months of August, September, and October, the work being completed by the commencement of the dry season, during which all destructive fires arise. Every year gives evidence of the usefulness of these fire barriers in arresting the spread of fires.
27. The unburnt remains of trees destroyed by fire in 1890 were all removed and sold as quickly as possible in order to prevent the inhabitants gaining any advantage by their being able to remove them for their own uses.
Thinning of Plantations, &c.
28. Plantations situated in various parts of the Colony in which trees had reached the size when they should be thinned were carefully examined and superfluous trees marked and felled. This work continued throughout the year and found constant work for about 40 men in the employment of the contractors who bought the trees. These men have now been drilled into methods which efficiently accomplish the desired work without going beyond limits which have been arranged for their control, Careful and constant supervision is exercised to prevent irregularities of any kind being indulged in.
29. The total number of trees removed from plantations during the year was 58,991 and they realised $601.31. The total revenue for forestry products was $666.80.
30. The sizes of trees cut down in plantations made by the Government range between about 6 feet and 25 feet in height.
In older plantations, however, it has been found expedient to remove some trees much larger. 31. The addition of an Assistant Clerk has permitted, amongst other things, the statistics and accounts connected with this work being regularly attended to.
32. Appendix C gives the localities where plantations have been thinned, the numbers of trees removed, and the value for which they were sold. The trees being felled and removed by the con- tractor, the figures show net proceeds.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
CHARLES FORD, Superintendent,
Botanical and Afforestation Department.
Honourable G. T. M. O'BRIEN, C.M.G.,
Colonial Secretary,
$0.
&C.,
c.