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and peaches were again produced and there seems to be little difficulty in respect to these crops. The line for development with the stone fruits and citrus seems to be the grafting of improved varieties on the local stocks and it is hoped to work along these lines in due course. Bananas continued to produce good bunches and in view of its easy cultivation and nutritional value this plant should be grown more extensively in the Colony.
54. Experimental Notes-Tung Oil (Aleurites montana)-The two blocks planted out at Sheung Shui made good growth and several of the trees flowered during the year. Two trees even produced a few fruits but this is abnormal for trees of less than three years of age. Rice--The six varieties of rice obtained from Sydney the previous year were again planted and a stock of seed is being built up gradually. It is hoped at a later stage to try them out against the local varieties on a scale large enough to provide data for comparison purposes. Sweet Potatoes-The six varieties obtained from the Malayan Agricultural Department the previous year, are still under trial but no conclusions can be drawn yet as to their value in comparison with local varieties.
55. Potatoes-During the past few years it has been the practice to obtain certified seed potatoes from Canada through the local Canadian Trade Commissioner. In order to obtain complete data concerning the crops produced the consignment was, on this occasion, allowed to come to maturity before being harvested. Varieties used were Green Mountain, Early Epicure and Irish Cobbler in 100 lb. lots. Returns were 236 lbs., 310 lbs., and 326 lbs. respectively or an average return of 2.9% on the whole consignment. Figures will be kept for the next two years by which time it should be possible to state definitely the percentage returns likely to be obtained in this Colony under normal cultivation i.e., such as is within the scope of the ordinary peasant farmer. The cost of certified "seed" potatoes is likely to be a limiting factor in respect to local activity with this crop but this side of the matter is a subject for further investigation.
56. Vegetable Production Scheme-In view of general conditions and to try and increase the production of local vegetables (Chinese and foreign) by the peasant farmer in the New Territories, a scheme was prepared involving free supply of manure from the slaughterhouses, delivered at suitable centres, and seeds for planting purposes.
Under this arrangement, Government to provide the necessary funds for the supplies of manure and seeds and the farmer to provide the land, labour and transport to market of any produce obtained. The scheme was approved by Government and was in action at the end of the year. In order to make direct contact with elders and to avoid giving additional work to departments involved, implementation of the scheme was entrusted to the administrative officer detailed for general investigation. The response appears to have been satisfactory and it is hoped that from this small beginning a regular increase in vegetable production will result particularly during the winter season when most of the land is allowed to lie fallow. Extension of cultivation of this nature is chiefly dependent on manure supplies. This subject has been very thoroughly explored by the officer in charge of the experiment and indications point to the likelihood of the provision of these supplies at an economic figure. The immediate results of this experiment are awaited with interest.
57. Inspection of Plants and Plant Products for Export-There was a noticeable increase in export of Vegetables (fresh and dry), Sugar Cane and Cassia bark and certificates of inspections were issued during the year for the following:— Vegetables (fresh or dry)-to Philippine Islands (66 consignments), to Fiji (21 consignments), to Peru (3 consignments). Sugar Cane to Singapore (67 consignments, 521,700 canes). Narcissus Tazetta L.-to Canada (1 consignment, 4,500 bulbs), to India (2 consignments, 4,500 bulbs), to Burma (1 consignment, 200 bulbs), to Honolulu (11 consignments, 16,060 bulbs). Cassia Bark-to Hamburg (1 consignment, 100 bales), to Bahia (1 consignment, 200 bales), to Alexandria (7 consignments, 1,620 bales). Gladiolus--to Britain (1 consignment, 300 corms).