86
No. 50.
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5TH FEBRUARY, 1881.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
The following Report of Mr. FORD, dated 21st December, 1876, which has not previously been published, is now published for general information.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 5th February, 1881.
FREDERICK STEWART,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
GOVERNMENT GARDENS,
HONGKONG, 21st December, 1876.
SIR, I have the honour of submitting the following Report on the Government Gardens for the information of His Excellency the Governor.
2. When I presented my first Report, on the 31st December, 1872, it was my intention to furnish one annually, but I was afterwards deterred from doing so by circumstances which it is not necessary to particularize. I now, however, have been induced to submit this Report in consequence of the fre- quent inquiries which have, from time to time, been made for it by the public. I venture to hope, therefore, that this effort to instruct and interest will be acceptable.
3. The very numerous inquiries on horticultural matters, and the increased interest taken in the private gardens of the Colony by the proprietors, indicate a healthy state of horticultural progress, which, no doubt, has been greatly stimulated by the Flower Shows which have been annually held in the Government Gardens for the last four years, partially under Government auspices, and especially favoured and promoted by His Excellency Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY.
4. Besides maintaining the old gardens in an orderly state, but little improvement or alteration has been effected in them, as the new gardens, which are about half an acre larger, have, in laying them out and planting, nearly absorbed all the extra time and means available.
of
5. One of the terrace banks has been broken up, new soil added, and a rugged appearance given by large rough stones brought down from the hills. It has been planted with a collection of succulent plants, such as Cacti, Agaves, Haworthias, Apicras, Fourcroyias, &c., and Yuccas, Beaucarnias, and Dasylirions, received in exchange for other plants and seeds, through the generosity of Dr. HOOKER, Kew, and Messrs. HAAGE and SMIDTT, of Erfurt. A tolerably good collection has been brought toge- ther, and it will, doubtless, prove a very interesting feature in a few years, when the plants will have As it increases, I attained good proportions. The collection has, already, an attractive appearance. propose to carry it along other banks which are at present turfed over.
6. Along the terrace walk next to the Band Stand an avenue of trees has been formed of Grevillea robusta, the Australian "Silky Oak." It has, for the first year, made excellent progress.
7. A beginning was made this year of bringing together into groups the shrubs which are scatter- ed all over the lawns quite irrespective of any arrangement, picturesque or otherwise. This work, when the demands of the new garden begin to be less, should be continued until the whole presents an orderly and systematic appearance.
8. A good number of small trees of large growing species, newly introduced, have been planted near the sides of some of the walks, so that, besides the botanical variety, they will, when they grow up, supply an increased amount of shade and shelter, which are required by visitors and plants alike.
9. The parts of the new garden which have been put under cultivation are now complete so far as drains, walks, turfing, and planting are concerned, but, of course, every year will bring its own work in relation to transplanting and cultivation of plants, shrubs, &c.
10. Two plots of ground are reserved specially for Coniferous plants and Palms, to receive yearly additions as the new introductions become large and strong enough for final transplanting.
11. The Palms, generally, have made as satisfactory progress as could be expected in our soil and climate, but the growth is far short of what it is under more congenial conditions. I think, however, that when the plants are a few years older-some are yet but very small seedlings-they will well repay the attention which they receive. There are now nearly 50 species in the gardens.
12. The Coniferous plants are being annually increased by new species. Nearly all the Japanese and Australian Conifers that have been tried have succeeded, more especially the latter, better than I anticipated when the first plants were procured. This is a class which, I think, does not receive so much attention in decorative gardening in this Colony as it should do.
and 13. Beds of Camellias and Azaleas have been made in positions suitable to their requirements, both are in a vigorous state of health. Camellias, if grown in pots for more than a few years, are so difficult to preserve in health in Hongkong, that growers would find much more satisfaction in having
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.