AnnualReport-1923 — Page 453

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Forest Guards Service :-The total number of persons arrest- ed and charged for committing forestry offences during the year was 406 as compared with 335 last year and 287 in 1921; of these 306 were convicted, 35 cautioned, 28 discharged, 36 had their bail estreated and 1 was recommended for banishment. Particulars of these cases are given in Tables II and III.

There was a marked increase this year in the stealing of wood from Pantations &c. This is partly accounted for by the high price and inadequate supplies of firewood arriving in the Colony from the usual sources and partly by the increased temptation to the

poorer inhabitants of seeing trees damaged by the typhoons lying in the streets and elsewhere. Immediately after the big typhoon of August 18th the services of these unofficial gleaners were somewhat appreciated but when they turned their attention to sound standing timber strong action had to be taken. Notices were printed in Chinese and displayed in prominent places warn- ing the trespassers that exemplary measures would be taken against any offenders caught. The situation righted itself gradu- ally by the end of the year.

About sixty piculs of wood, unlawfully cut down by persons unknown, were seized at Lung Kwo Tan, and at Shek O over 130 piculs of Camphor wood were similarly seized.

Nearly $300 was obtained as compensation from various build- ing contractors and the Hongkong Electric Company for damage done by their workmen to plantations. Enquiries were held ou three occasions under Ordinance No. 6 of 1917 in connection with the illicit cutting of trees near villages and fines were imposed by His Excellency the Governor in Council, $30 on Po Kong; $25 on Chuk Yuen, and $300 on Tai Hang Villages.

For a few weeks before Chinese New Year an effort was again made to protect Enkianthus quinqueflorus which is one of the most beautiful of the shrub flora of Hongkong and the New Territories. But for the vigilance of this Department this beau- tiful shrub would soon be entirely lost to the Colony.

Forestry Service Paths :-These paths were, as far as possible, cleared and repaired during the year.

Forestry Licences, New Territories :-The total amount of fees collected during the year amounted to $4,744,11 as compared with $4,831.87 in 1922.

NURSERIES, AGRICULTURE, &c.

The Albany Nurseries :-New terraces were made in the up- per nursery and planted with a mixed collection of flowering shrubs and Cannas for the purpose of maintaining a supply of cut flowers for Government House. Towards the end of the year a small area in the Lower Nursery was dug up and bedded with flowering plants and bulbs suitable for a similar purpose.