botany of hongkong (3) Continuation.
Dear Sir. You will, I am sure, oblige many of your readers, if by bringing it to the notice of the proper authorities you abate it if you cannot cure the plague of goats that exist here to the destruction of every vegetative ornament they can get at.
"Many of the Trees planted by Government which were expected to improve the salubrity as well as the appearance of our Rocky Den, fell early victims; and the remainder will soon follow if the process of "girdling" by goat's teeth is allowed to be continued.
"My advice would be, if it was asked, that the Policemen should be allowed to practise their muskets upon them wherever they are found at large powder and shot to be supplied by subscription.
Yours faithfully.
(Signed) No Goat Sucker.
It might be added that owing to their proved destructiveness goats pull herbage by the roots - these animals were eventually restricted. They were apparently brought here by the first Indian troops. It is worth drawing to note that Bruce's interesting drawing of Saiwan Bay and barracks recently reproduced shows a billy goat in the middle distance.
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