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BOTANICAL & FORESTRY.
(a) Botanical.
The Colony has been denuded of flowering
Shrubs, but it is proposed to start a nursery in the New
Botanical Garden with a view to creating a stock of
flowering shrubs for planting next spring.
Much work has
been done in making the Botanical Gardens, Colonial Cemeter
and Government House Gardens presentable.
(b) Forestry. The Japanese have done very considerable damage to
trees during their occupation, and a great deal of work
needs to be done next spring.
Laichikok. Depot contains a good stock of young trees of
Ponciana Regia (Flame of the Forest) and others, which
will be useful in replanting along the Castle Peak Road.
Taipo Kau Forest Reserve. Despite heavy felling by the
Japs, there are still two large clusters of China Firs,
and a piece of land has been cleared for seed growing.
Firewood. A considerable amount is now being obtained
from the Deep Water Bay area and also from the thinning
and pruning of roadside trees.
Illicit cutting of trees is going on, but means of
putting a stop to this practice are being discussed with
the Controller of Firewood.
Seeds. Quantities of seeds from various trees have been
collected in the New Territories and are being sown in
the nurseries. A contract for 5,000 lbs of pine seeds
has been concluded. The price is $3.00 per lb.
(c) Agriculture. The Sookunpo and Sheung Sui Vegetable Gardens.
Good progress has been made and planting is well under way.
Damage to Rice Crops The rice field at Sheung Yuen was
threatened by the "Ming Chùng" caterpillar, but dusting
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.