Appendix N.
HONG KONG.
REPORT ON THE BOTANICAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1933.
GENERAL.
The weather, throughout the whole year, was generally favourable to both gardening and forestry operations.
2. The rainfall for the year, as recorded by the gauge in the New Garden, was 73.56 inches in 184 days as against 92.58 inches in 126 days in the preceding year.
3. January 28th was the coldest day of the year, the only plants damaged by the low temperature were Clerodendron splendens and Acalypha tricolor.
4. Typhoon signals were hoisted on seven occasions during the year; only slight damage was done by the gale on November 6th, which destroyed a number of street trees in Kowloon.
GARDENS, PARKS AND GROUNDS.
5. Botanic Gardens.-The construction of a service reservoir by the Public Works Department, in the Old Garden was completed. A fountain was constructed in the centre of the area, a large stone seat was placed on the north side, two stone seats and a lavatory at the east and a shelter and two small drinking fountains at the west, and all paths were relaid in concrete and 24 additional garden seats of the usual type were provided. The major portion was covered with black soil and turfed. The whole was opened to the public on August 15th. The north entrance gate in Upper Albert Road was replaced by a wall; a new gate, leading to Albany Road, was provided.
6. The specimen of Keteleeria Fortunei, Carr. in the New Garden, produced numerous cones, from which viable seeds were extracted.
7. The number of trees, shrubs and pot plants sold during the year was 1,826.
8. Government House Grounds.-One new bed was formed on the north side and planted with Canadian roses.