N 9
47. The total number of trees, shrubs and pot plants sold during the year was 1424 as against 1,123 for 1938.
48. Living Collection of Bamboos-The site at Little Hong Kong prepared for this collection was not utilised on account of various developments in that area. As a consequence the collection is still in large pots. It seemed unwise to consider further the establishment of this collection on Hong Kong Island as suitable sites are few and these are liable to be developed for other purposes. In the circumstances, it has been decided to establish it in the Taipo Kau forest reserve and steps are being taken to set aside an area for the purpose.
AGRICULTURE.
49. Under existing arrangements this side of the work of the department is necessarily of a restricted nature so far as the practical side is concerned and the cost of such work as the department is able to carry out is borne by the Forestry vote. It is hoped that the investigations enumerated below, the increase in general agricultural activities and the local need for facilities of an agricultural nature, will result in the provision of an agricultural section complete with experimental station at some not distant date. Until such provision is made little real progress in agricultural matters is likely to take place, despite the endeavours of this department and of other interested bodies.
50. Such work as the department is able to do is carried out at the Sheung Shui experimental garden which is situated in the northern part of the New Territories. This garden is approximately 3 acres in extent and consists of old padi land. It is satisfactory for experiments with crops which can be grown on such soils, but is unsuitable for general experimental purposes. There is need for an area of better type land including hillsides. For the present, it is proposed to utilise part of the Taipo Kau forest reserve for tree crops, such as fruit, and a beginning has been made with the planting of a set of Californian fruit trees.
51. Investigations The Superintendent completed his agricultural reconnaissance of the New Territories and submitted a complete report in February. This report was carefully considered by Government and towards the end of the year an administrative officer (Mr. G. S. Kennedy-Skipton) was allotted the task of investigating the possibilities of agricultural development from the economic and social points of view.
52. In addition to the general survey, some areas received more thorough investigations. These were as follows:-(a) New Kowloon—(i) Diamond Hill area --a general investigation of the area, in particular of the dairy farm section. As a result of the report on this area the question of erosion, in relation to clearing for and subsequent planting of fodder crops, received specific attention. A scheme for development of the area was drawn up which later, received the approval of Government. This covers re-afforestation above the 500 feet contour and the incorporation of anti-erosion measures in the agricultural activities carried on below this elevation. (ii) Po Kong area this large market garden area received special investigation in respect to "wet" cultivation. The opportunity was taken to report also on the general position of the area in relation to local vegetable production. (b) Southern District (i) a large area on the mainland was investigated in connection with agricultural proposals of a dairy farm nature. (ii) Lamma Island-the northern section of this island was further investigated and a report submitted on its agricultural possibilities (i) Mah Wan Island-this small island was surveyed and a report submitted.
53. Sheung Shui Experimental Garden-General notes for the year are as follows:-The oranges (Swatow) failed to flower this year hence no fruits were produced. This may be due to the heavy fruiting of the previous year if so, some thinning of the crop appears to be necessary in order to obtain more consistent results. This is a matter for further investigation. Good crops of figs
N 9
47. The total number of trees, shrubs and pot plants sold during the year was 1424 as against 1,123 for 1938.
48. Living Collection of Bamboos-The site at Little Hong Kong prepared for this collection was not utilised on account of various developments in that area. As a consequence the collection is still in large pots. It seemed unwise to consider further the establishment of this collection on Hong Kong Island as suitable sites are few and these are liable to be developed for other purposes. In the circumstances, it has been decided to establish it in the Taipo Kau forest reserve and steps are being taken to set aside an area for the purpose.
AGRICULTURE.
49.
Under existing arrangements this side of the work of the department is necessarily of a restricted nature so far as the practical side is concerned and the cost of such work as the department is able to carry out is borne by the Forestry vote. It is hoped that the investigations enumerated below, the increase in general agricultural activities and the local need for facilities of an agricultural nature, will result in the provision of an agricultural section complete with experimental station at some not distant date. Until such provision is made little real progress in agricultural matters is likely to take place, despite the endeavours of this department and of other interested bodies.
50. Such work as the department is able to do is carried out at the Sheung Shui experimental garden which is situated in the northern part of the New Terri- tories. This garden is approximately 3 acres in extent and consists of old padi land. It is satisfactory for experiments with crops which can be grown on such soils, but is unsuitable for general experimental purposes. There is need for an area of better type land including hillsides. For the present, it is proposed to utilise part of the Taipo Kau forest reserve for tree crops, such as fruit, and a beginning has been made with the planting of a set of Californian fruit trees.
51. Investigations The Superintendent completed his agricultural reconnais- sance of the New Territories and submitted a complete report in February. This report was carefully considered by Government and towards the end of the year an administrative officer (Mr. G. S. Kennedy-Skipton) was allotted the task of investigating the possibilities of agricultural development from the economic and social points of view.
52. In addition to the general survey, some areas received more thorough investigations. These were as follows:-(a) New Kowloon—(i) Diamond Hill area --a general investigation of the area, in particular of the dairy farm section. As a result of the report on this area the question of erosion, in relation to clearing for and subsequent planting of fodder crops, received specific attention. A scheme for development of the area was drawn up which later, received the approval of Government. This covers re-afforestation above the 500 feet contour and the incorporation of anti-erosion measures in the agricultural activities carried on below this elevation. (ii) Po Kong area this large market garden area received special investigation in respect to "wet" cultivation. The opportunity was taken to report also on the general position of the area in relation to local vegetable production. (b) Southern District (i) a large area on the mainland was investigated in connection with agricultural proposals of a dairy farm nature. (ii) Lamma Island-the northern section of this island was further investigated and a report submitted on its agricultural possibilities (i) Mah Wan Island-this small island was surveyed and a report submitted.
53. Sheung Shui Experimental Garden-General notes for the year are as follows:-The oranges (Swatow) failed to flower this year hence no fruits were produced. This may be due to the heavy fruiting of the previous year if so, some thinning of the crop appears to be necessary in order to obtain more consistent results. This is a matter for further investigation. Good crops of figs
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