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reason; it is taken for granted that during what is called the S. W. Monsoon, S. W. winds always blow; such may be the case in the open sea, it is not so in the vicinity of land, the best and proper aspect for houses in Kowloon I am convinced is due South, ~ in about the prevailing winds here being in summer equal parts, from South, S. W. and S. E. the S. W. predominating in the beginning, the S. E. at the end of the Summer: this however may be different on the opposite shore, I have no data with regard to it, but have obtained the accompanying return from a ship anchored in the vicinity during the last year: if therefore any house be placed S. W. it will only receive a slant of the S, and no wind at all from the S. E. at a time when it is probably most required, and when it is well known most sickness and deaths occur.
I have always maintained that the best sites should be chosen for the accommodation of troops, but if there be two sites equally eligible and suitable in every respect for them, and that one of these is shown to be of great consequence for Commercial purposes, and the other comparatively valueless, the Military should choose the latter, and leave the former, to afford those facilities for trade which it is the object of Her Majesty's Government to foster for the general benefit of England.
The site then I think best situated for the Military Barracks, and both Hospitals, is the best referred to across the whole promontory
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