571
N 4
23. Taipo Kau Forestry Reserve-Young trees of Artocarpus integrifolia, raised from seed sown in situ, were badly damaged by rodents; Trees of economic value, to the number of 2,567 were raised in the nursery and planted in groups in the most suitable portion of the reserve; three thousand cuttings of Cunninghamia sinensis, collected from trees in various parts of the Colony, planted in the nursery.
were
24. Trees of Acacia confusa, planted in 1928, produced seeds for the first time.
25. The service path in the highest portion of the reserve was extended.
26. Trees Felled.-Large areas of Pinus Massoniana and indigenous trees were cleared in connection with the formation of reservoir and catchment areas, building sites, roads and other public works.
27. The demolition of a portion of the City Hall and the erection of adjoining new buildings, necessitated the removal of the two old Cotton Trees (Bombax malabaricum) and one old Banian from the open space in front of the Hall; in connection with road widening and other work made necessary by increased vehicular traffic, 57 large shade trees, in various parts of the Colony were removed.
28. Forest Guards Services.—Damage by theft of Pine trees was heaviest at Tin Wan, Aberdeen, Cheung Sha Wan and Quarry Bay; one case of theft of large native oaks occurred at Tai Tung. The trees in this case were recovered. Numerous cases
of Pine needle raking occurred in all districts. The damage caused by this practice, which is mainly carried on by children, who are sent out by their parents, is one of the greatest obstacles to successful reafforestation with which the Department has to deal.
29. The total number of persons arrested and charged with various forestry offences by Forest Guards, was 150, of these 139 were convicted and fined or sentenced to terms of imprisonment. The Police arrested 230 persons and 226 were convicted. persistent offenders were banished.
Ten
30. Protection of Plantations.--All fire barriers and forestry paths were cleared and repaired, the total length of paths dealt with was 43 miles and barriers 58 miles. At the request of the Military Authorities, the existing barriers on Mount Davis were increased in width from 10 to 20 feet; one new barrier was made on the same area. The service path on Mount Collinson was extended by 2,800 feet. This path was connected to the Shek ( Road by a new path 1,040 feet in length, 54 new barriers were made round isolated graves on hillsides in various parts of the Colony.
N 5 -
31. Undergrowth Clearing. In all parts of the Colony, the total area cleared in connection with anti-malarial work was 8,764,605 square feet; other areas cleared in connection with the formation of catchments, reservoirs, roads, buildings and general public improvements amounted to 8,620,695 square feet.
32. Preservation of Local Flora.Many of the uncommon flowering plants on the Island have been greatly reduced in number and are now in danger of being completely destroyed, chiefly owing to the extensive development of outlying areas of land which is being carried on. Other causes are the depreda- tions of plant hawkers, medicinal herb collectors and thoughtless flower pickers. Ferns have also suffered, notably Asplenium Nidus, which was, until a few years ago, numerous on rocks in many nullahs, and has now almost entirely disappeared.
33. In order to prevent the threatened destruction, a com- mencement was made with the scheme of removal; 363 plants of the terrestial Orchid Plantanthora Susannae, Lindl. and 686 of Iris speculatrix, Hance, were lifted in various parts of the Island and replanted in suitable spots in Mount Collinson Prohibited Area, where, it is hoped, they will be allowed to remain un- disturbed.
34. Lantana Destruction-Both local species of this plant, which flourish in the poorest of soil, are rapidly increasing in all parts of the Colony. Large areas were cleared of the plants during the year.
35. The Entomologist, Board of Commissioners of Agricul- ture and Forestry, Territory of Hawaii, kindly supplied this Department with a consignment of the Lantana Seed Fly and the Lantana Plume Moth Both insects are Lantana parasites, the former attacks and destroys the unripe seed and the latter destroys the unopened flower buds. The insects were liberated on July 21st in suitable spots. So far there is no evidence as to whether they have survived.
AGRICULTURE ETC.
36. Fan Ling Experimental Garden.-Cajanus indicus, grown as a shade plant, did not give sufficient protection to the plots of Citrus and Avocado Fear (Persea gratissima) in the recently formed extension, both were lifted and replanted in the old portion of the garden, the Avocado Pears were shaded by planting alternately with Bananas and soon commenced to make rapid growth. A plot of foreign vegetables, all of which can be raised and harvested during the season when land is not required for Padi, was grown for demonstration purposes and for exhibition at the New Territories Agricultural Show.
572
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.