Hong Kong Annual Administration Reports, 1841-1941
COLONIAL REPORTS--ANNUAL.
(C.) AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES AND BOTANICAL STATIONS.
Beyond the cultivation of vegetable gardens there is practically no agricultural industry in the Colony.
In the botanical and afforestation department there is Chinese staff of 53. The following statement shows the revenue of this department for the year :-
Revenue from plant sales $674.46 loan of plants $202.02 forestry products $444.51 Total $1,320.99There were 33,923 new trees planted in different localities. Grass-fires, which have proved so destructive to trees and shrubs in the past, were greater in number than usual, owing to the dryness. There were no less than 16 between October 20th and December 23rd. Ten fires destroyed 3,285 trees.
Gardening, a minor industry which is eminently adapted to the Chinese, is always improving. New kinds of trees and shrubs have been introduced, often by means of a system of exchange with other botanical stations. Fruit is largely cultivated.
(D.) LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND.
The following table gives particulars of land sales, extensions and grants on short leases :-
No. of Lots. Area in Square Feet. Crown Premium. Rent. Sales by auction 24 245,131 $107,127.00 $2,282.00 Extensions granted 18 402,451 $30,260.68 $1,454.68 Grants on short leases 13 152,356 $1,332.00 Total 799,938 $137,387.68 $5,068.68