Sir,
550
Botanical and Afforestation Department,
Hongkong, 15th April, 1904.
C. O.
17739
19 MAY 04
I have the honour to inform you that the Secretary of State for the Colonies has requested the Government of Hongkong to endeavour to interest some of the leading Hongkong Merchants in the cultivation of Cotton, and has mentioned that seed can be obtained through Kew.
2. It is estimated that 35 to 40,000 bales (each 400 lbs) of raw cotton are consumed in this Colony yearly and considerable interest has been shown in the proposal to grow it locally.
3. With a view to foster this interest it has been decided to make experiments with different kinds of cotton seed in various situations and this Department has received instructions to communicate with Kew with a view to obtaining the best kinds of seed for the purpose.
4. The chief local consumers of raw cotton, Messrs. Jardine, Matheson and Company suggest Low and Medium Bengals, Tungchow, Tinnevelly and Broach as the kinds of cotton likely to succeed here. Tungchow seed can be procured locally. If any of the remainder or any other kinds of cotton seed that you may consider desirable could be obtained through Kew, the Government would feel greatly indebted. They would be prepared to defray all expenses incurred.
5. I may mention that the only ground available for the growth of cotton in Hongkong and the New Territory is ordinary paddy land varying from light to clayey loam, deficient in lime. As to the peculiar climate of Eastern Kwantung you are doubtless sufficiently informed.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) S. T. Dunn, Supt., B. & A. Dept.
William Thiselton-Dyer,
C.M.G., F.R.S., &c.,
Royal Botanic Gardens,
KEW.