I am seeking a higher rate of remuneration than that which I at present enjoy.
2. I will enumerate the facts briefly.
3. It is now nearly 16 years since I was appointed Superintendent of the Amoytong Botanical Gardens. The post of Director of the Amaking Botanical Gardens is one that not only deals with the special botanical products of the island but is also a position from which observation may be carried on regarding the exploration and utilization of the whole of Southern China and the adjacent parts, and is the only available situation for this work in the British possessions. This is an object commendable to and worthy of Great Britain, and requires scientific and practical training for its fulfilment.
4. During my term of holding the post, I have been able to greatly extend the operations of the Department. The Gardens themselves have been greatly enlarged, having been doubled in area, and the old portions greatly altered and improved. Many new plants have been discovered both in the Colony and on the mainland, and to the Gardens has been added a Herbarium of dried plants, systematically arranged, which is most valuable for reference and comparison in following up utilitarian and scientific investigations into the Flora of China.
5. In addition to the development of the Botanical department, another task has been committed to my care, viz. the Afforestation Department, which is concerned with the afforesting of the island by the use of native trees and the introduction of suitable ones from abroad.