N 4
18. Pinus maritima R. Br.-As a result of the receipt of a consignment of Pinus maritima R. Br. seeds, kindly presented by Dr. J. H. Passos, Director of Agriculture, Macao, it was decided to try this species on grass banks in certain areas in Hong Kong. To date the germination has been very poor. It is intended to try other methods with this species.
19. Broad-leaved Trees Planted. The following trees were used in the formation of plantations of varying sizes and the extension of the road-side planting scheme in all parts of the Colony-Acacia Farnesiana, Willd., Albizzia Lebbek Benth., Albizzia procera Benth., Aleurites triloba Forst, Bauhinia Blakeana Dunn, Bauhinia variegata L., Bombax malabaricum DC., Casuarina equisetifolia L., Callistemon rigidus R. Br., Cassia glauca Lam., Celtis sinensis Pers., Cinnamomum Camphora Nees, Crataeva religiosa Forst, Delonix regia Rafin, Melaleuca leucadendron L., Paulownia Fortunei Hemsl., Sterculia lanceolata Cav., Tristania conferta Griff.
20. Totals of Tree Planting Operations.-The totals of tree planting, in situ sowing and broadcasting, were as follows:-
Trees-Conifers,-Plantation planting, 6,000; Broad-leaved— Roadside planting, 8,725; Miscellaneous 2,169; Total 16,894.
Sowing in situ-352,758 (using 94 lbs. Pine seed);
Broadcast-5,309 lbs. Pine seed; Total 5,403 lbs. seed.
21. Melaleuca leucadendron L. It is worthy of mention that this species has proved the most successful tree for use alongside roads which are bordered by "padi" fields. It seems to delight in the damp root conditions and generally, has been found to be superior for this purpose than other species used.
22. Insect Pests.-The Pine tree Caterpillar (Dendrolimus punctatus) again appeared in the pine plantations at Fanling, but in comparatively small numbers. 220 lbs. of caterpillars were collected and destroyed. The comparative absence of this pest may be a direct result of the methods of disposal advised by the Bureau of Entomology, Kew, as this is the third year in succession in which small attacks only have been experienced.
23. Forest and Hill Fires.-The number of fires during the year was 25. This is a great reduction on the number for the previous year which was 79.
24. The usual distribution of handbills and the posting of warning notices prior to the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals, was carried out. The vernacular press kindly gave prominence to notices requesting all visitors to graves and cemeteries to take precautions against causing damage by fire.