HONG KONG,
10
REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT
The contemplated site of the proposed "Sanitarium" is 1774 feet above the level of the sea; and by repeated experiment the average range of the thermometer is found to be 10 degrees less at this elevation than it is in the town of Victoria. Moreover, the position, which is attainable by a practicable road, is exposed to the south-west monsoon; and in consequence of the diminished pressure of the superincumbent strata of air in this position, all obnoxious exudations ascend from the sphere of respiration. That the atmosphere on the hill is drier than that in the valleys, and hence more opposed to the operation of endemic causes of disease, has been, I think, clearly shown. The existence of clouds occasionally on the hill may be thought to be evidence against this fact. Frequently the clouds which obscure the peak are below it; and an observer standing on the top of the hill may look down from a serene atmosphere upon a lake of cloud filling up the valley beneath.
Some part of the excess of heat in the valleys over that found on the hill must be ascribed to radiation; it is nevertheless evident, that in ascending the hill 10 degrees of heat are escaped. It has been shown that a perpendicular ascent of 242 feet above the level of the sea diminishes the temperature in the proportion of one degree of latitude, that is, by one degree of heat: by this rule the elevation of the Victoria hill is, in respect of temperature, equal to about seven degrees of latitude, 242 being to 1774 as 1 is to 7, which, indeed, makes a residence on the hill as great a change to the invalid as visiting Ningpo. Need further argument be adduced on this point? The proposition is in every respect practicable; its accomplishment will obviate the risks, the impracticable absence from duties and friends, the great expense, and the anxieties which are at present entailed on those who are now compelled to resort to Macao and other places to recruit their health. The Government and the inhabitants should mutually assist in this desirable object by all means in their power.
Hong Kong, Feb. 21, 1849.
(Signed) WILLIAM MORRISON,
F.R.C.S. of England; Colonial Surgeon.
(True Copy.)
W. CAINE, Colonial Secretary.
Copy.
Surveyor General's Office
Victoria
9th February, 1849.
I have the honor to submit the Works Annual Report upon the Works that have been executed during the Year, also upon the general state and Repair of all Civil Roads and Works in the Island.
1. Roads and Bridges, District of Victoria. The Queen's Road and all the streets in the Town have been kept in a tolerable state of repair during the year by the employment of labor; the only actual expenditure having been for the cutting and removal of rubbish. Major Maine, Colonial Secretary.
HONG KONG,
10
REPORTS EXHIBITING THE PAST AND PRESENT
The contemplated site of the proposed "Sanitarium" is 1774 feet above the level of the sea; and by repeated experiment the average range of the thermometer is found to be 10 degrees less at this elevation than it is in the town of Victoria. Moreover, the position, which is attainable by a practicable road, is exposed to the south-west monsoon; and in consequence of the diminished pressure of the superincumbent strata of air in this position, all obnoxious exudations ascend from the sphere of respiration. That the atmo- sphere on the hill is drier than that in the valleys, and hence more opposed to the operation of endemic causes of disease, has been, I think, clearly shown. The existence of clouds occasionally on the hill may be thought to be evidence against this fact. Frequently the clouds which obscure the peak are below it; and an observer standing on the top of the hill may look down from a serene atmosphere upon a lake of cloud filling up the valley beneath.
Some part of the excess of heat in the valleys over that found on the hill must be ascribed to radiation; it is nevertheless evident, that in ascending the hill 10 degrees of heat are escaped. It has been shown that a perpendicular ascent of 242 feet above the level of the sea diminishes the temperature in the proportion of one degree of latitude, that is, by one degree of heat: by this rule the elevation of the Victoria hill is, in respect of temperature, equal to about seven degrees of latitude, 242 being to 1,774 as I is to 7, which, indeed, makes a residence on the hill as great a change to the invalid as visiting Ningpo. Need further argument be adduced on this point? The proposition is in every respect practicable; its accomplishment will obviate the risks, the impracticable absence from duties and friends, the great expense, and the anxieties which are at present entailed on those who are now compelled to resort to Macao and other places to recruit their health. The Government and the inhabitants should mutually assist in this desirable object by all means in their power.
Hong Kong, Feb. 21, 1849.
(Signed) WILLIAM MORRISON,
F.R.C.S. of England; Colonial Surgeon.
(True Copy.)
W. CAINE, Colonial Secretary.
Copy.
A? 5.
Seri
neey
S03
Surveyor Generals Office
Victoria
9th
Hobimary, 10
18449.
I have the lover to anbruit
the Works
Annual Report upore
that have been excented
Year,
also
upen
the
ted dur
during
the
al state
general
and Repair of all Civil Roads
Works in the Island.
1.
of
Roads and
Bridges, District
Victoria. The Queen's Read und-
all the streets in the Town have
been kept
i a
-repait during
tolerable state of
the
year by
employment of it late
the
lawiet labour-
thereon, the only actual expenditure
having been for the cutting and-
Mouble: Major Maine,
folonial secretary .
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