Sir,
C.O.
18043
19 21 MAY 04
Botanical and Afforestation Department,
Hongkong. April 15, 1904.
424
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 & Co., suggest Low and Medium Bengals, Tungchow, Tinnevelly and Broach as the kinds of cotton