Appendix M.
REPORT ON THE BOTANICAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1914.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Weather. It is a great pleasure to be able to report that the year was free from typhoons, as these storms when they occur undo the work of years.
The amount of sunshine during the first quarter was above the average and was especially beneficial to winter-flowering annuals many of which are similar to those grown in England during the summer months.
The second quarter was favourable for gardening operations except for the last few days of June when heavy rains fell.
wet.
In the third quarter, July and September were particularly wet.
The rainfall during the fourth quarter was 20.89 inches and has been only twice exceeded, viz., in 1893 and 1909, and was 10.79 inches above the average taken over a period of 23 years.
November made two records (1) in the number of rainy days and (2) in the amount of rain which fell.
This quarter was particularly fatal to many vegetables and winter-flowering annuals.
On the other hand the rains were extremely beneficial to young trees which were planted earlier in the year.
Growth of the Department. Since my appointment as Head of the Department in 1910 numerous works and grounds have been added to those at that time placed under my charge.
Of these additions the following may be mentioned :- The planting of trees alongside the road from Castle Peak to Fanling, the planting of the hills at Fanling with flowering trees and shrubs, Government Civil Hospital Grounds, Lunatic Asylum Grounds, Royal Observatory Grounds, Extension to Colonial Cemetery, Government Bungalows' Grounds, Royal Square Plots, Volunteer Parade Ground and Grounds around Subordinate Officers' Quarters.
An Economic Garden has also been started at Fanling with the hope that it will lead to some of the natives taking up, especially, the cultivation of vegetables for themselves and the Hongkong market.