Appendix N.
HONG KONG.
REPORT ON THE BOTANICAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1931.
GENERAL
The weather during the first part of the year was most unfavourable for flowers in pots and flower gardening generally; for forestry work the weather throughout the whole year was favourable.
2. The Flower Show, usually held by the Horticultural Society during the month of March, was abandoned.
3. Typhoon signals were hoisted on seven occasions, during the year; the gale of August 1st did considerable damage to roadside trees and the smaller trees and shrubs in the Botanical Gardens.
GARDENS, PARKS AND GROUNDS.
4. Botanic Gardens.-The whole of the areas known as the Fountain and Lower Terraces, were taken over by the Public Works Department for the site of a service reservoir, the formation of which was in progress at the end of the year. The loss of these two areas, which were covered with turf and flower beds, has detracted much from the general appearance of the Old Garden. The majority of the small trees and shrubs were lifted and replanted in various parts of the Colony, the following trees, which were too large for removal, had to be sacrificed, Ficus retusa, Dracontomelum mangiferum, Heteropanax fragrans, Aleurites montana and Putranjiva Roxburghii. The gate in Albert Road, generally known as the North West Entrance, will, in consequence of relevelling of the terrace, be of no further service and will most probably be replaced by a new entrance in Albany Road. When the service reservoir is completed, the roof will be covered with soil to form one larger flat area in place of the two terraces on different levels.
5. The area to the extreme south of the Old Garden adjoining the junction of Garden and Bowen Roads, which had not previously been developed, was cleared of wild trees and undergrowth; the whole of the slope was then trimmed and a portion turfed, in addition to greatly improving the appearance of the area, a clear view of both angles of Garden Road can now be obtained by drivers of motor vehicles when approaching a dangerous turn.