RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1964 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/qz20zx09r 164 MCCRARY, M.* MCDOUALL, Hon. J. C. MACK, A. M. MCELNEY, B. S. MCKEIRNAN, V. Rev. M. J. MACKENZIE, J. MACKENZIE, Miss S. MALLORY-BROWNE, G. E. 25-A Robinson Road, Top floor, H.K. Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, Connaught Road, C., H.K. c/o H.K. & Shanghai Banking Corpn., 9 Gracechurch Street, London, E.C.3., England. Johnson Stokes & Master, H.K. Bank Building, H.K. St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, Kowloontsai, Kowloon, Davie, Boag & Co., Ltd., Jardine House, H.K. 17 Chater Hall, Conduit Road, H.K. 15, Cooper Road, H.K. MALLORY-BROWNE, W. Asta Foundation, 2 Old Peak Road, H.K. MANEELY, R. B. MARSHALL, Dr. Patricia M. MARTINHO-MARQUES, E. J. Anatomy Dept., The University, H.K. Zoology Dept., The University, H.K. P. O. Box 472, Macau. MAYNARD, Prof. D. M. Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California, U.S.A. MIDDLEBROOK, R. W.* 165, East 66th Street, New York 21, N.Y., U.S.A. MILBURN, K. MILLER, C. F. O.* Marine Dept., 102 Connaught Road, C., H.K. c/o Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch, C.P.O. Box 255, Seoul, Korea, MINETT, Lt. Col. F. R. D. British Military Hospital, Rinteln, Weser, MORGAN, L. G. MOSCROP, Miss M. E. MOYLE, G. C. NABHOLZ, Mrs. M. E. NEWBIGGING, D. K. NG, Peter Y. L. NG, Ronald, C. Y. British Forces Post Office 29, West Germany. c/o H.K. & Shanghai Bank, 9 Gracechurch Street, London, EC.3., England. 76, Peak Road, The Peak, H.K. c/o Jardine Matheson & Co., Ltd., H.K. 820-823, Union House, H.K. Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd. (Shipping Accounts Dept.) H.K. Dept. of History, The University, H.K. 164, Prince Edward Rd., 1st floor, Kowloon. * Life Member Please notify the Hon Secretary of any inaccuracy ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1965 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/s752cj653 137 MCELNEY, B. S. MCFADZEAN, A. J. S. MACK, A. M. MCKEIRNAN, V. Rev. M. J. · H - MACKEITH, J. S. MACKENZIE, J. MACKENZIE, Miss S. MCLEVIE, J. G. MALLORY-BROWNE, G. E. + · MALLORY-BROWNE, W. MANEELY, Miss M. 5. MANEELY, R. B. MARSHALL, Dr. Patricia M. MARTINHO-MARQUES, E. J. T - + - - · + MAYNARD, Prof. D. M. MIDDLEBROOK, R. W.* . MILBURN, K. MILLER, A. C. - MILLER, C. F. 0.* MORGAN, L. G. MOSCROP, Miss M. E. - MOUSSAYE, R. D. de La MOYLE, G. C. · NABHOLZ, Mrs. M. E. - NEILD, Mrs. C. - · J - Johnson Stokes & Master, Hong Kong Bank Building, H.K. The University, Pokfulum, H.K. 34 Wilton Crescent, London, S.W.1., England, St. Peter-in-Chains Catholic Church, Kowloontsai, Kowloon, 80 Robinson Road, H.K, Davie, Boag & Co., Ltd., Jardine House, H.K. 17 Chater Hall, Conduit Road, H.K. Dept. of Education, The University, Pokfulum, H.K. 42 Bonham Road, 7th Floor, H.K. 11, Awley 5, Lane 1274, Chung Cheng Road, Taipei, Taiwan. Diocesan Girls' School, Jordan Road, Kowloon. Anatomy Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. Zoology Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. P. O. Box 472, Macau, c/o Chung Chi College, Ma Liu Shui, N.T. 165, East 66th Street, New York 21, N.Y., U.S.A. Marine Dept., 102 Connaught Road, C., H.K. Union Research Institute, 9 College Road, Kowloon. c/o Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch, C.P.O. Box 255, Seoul, Korea. c/o H.K. & Shanghai Bank, 9 Gracechurch Street, London, E.C.3., England. c/o Mrs. N. du Breuil, 86 Main Street, Stanley, H.K. c/o Jardine Matheson & Co., Ltd., H.K. 820-823, Union House, H.K. c/o Welfare Handicrafts, Salisbury Road, Kowloon. * Life Member Please notify the Hon. Secretary of any inaccuracy ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1966 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/bz60k0811 # PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1965 Last year, 1965, the sixth since the regeneration of the Society, was markedly successful. The membership, which was 160 at the close of the first year, passed the 400 mark. It reached a total of 439 — 388 ordinary and 51 life members. In a community like Hongkong where so many come and go so frequently it is natural that we should lose a number of members each year. Our gains, however, have each year exceeded our losses, and the Society continues to grow. Last year we lost 61 members. Of these some resigned on leaving the Colony, but 37 failed to pay their subscriptions after the extended period of grace and ceased to be members. On the other hand we gained 89 new members of whom 3 were life members. One of the three new life members, I am very sad to relate, died last week — Colonel Dowbiggin who had become a life member, and a very keen one, at the age of 81. I regret also to record the death of another life member Dr. T. Y. Li — who in 1962 gave an address on Chinese Seals which was printed in the Journal for that year. He died in September last year shortly after he had been announced to deliver an address on "Bamboo and its Relation to Chinese Culture". We deeply feel the loss of these good friends and loyal supporters. The lectures continued to be well attended and of a high standard. All except two were given by local members. The list comprises: January 11 Major J. R. L. Caunter “Birds of Hong Kong” February 15 Dr. S. G. Davis “Archaeological Discovery In and Around Hong Kong” March 1 April 12 Mr. H. D. R. Baker “The Five Great Clans of the New Territories” ++ Dr. Patricia Marshall “Mammals of Hong Kong” ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1966 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/bz60k0811 182 MCBAIN, E. B. MCBAIN, G. MCCABE, Donald C. MCCABE, Mrs. S. J. MCCOY, John MCCRARY, M.* c/o Geo. McBain & Co., Union Building, H.K. S.C.M.P. c/o Imperial Chemical Industries (China) Ltd., 16th Floor, Union House, H.K. New Asia College-Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6 Farm Road, Kowloon. Flat 1, Abermor Court, May Road, H.K. Division of Modern Languages, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, U.S.A. 25-A Robinson Road, Top floor, H.K. MCDOUALL, The Hon. J. C. Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, Connaught Road, C., H.K. MCELNEY, B. S. MCFADZEAN, A. J. S. MCKEIRNAN, V. Rev. M. J. MCLEVIE, J. G. MANEELY, Miss M. S. MANEELY, R. B. Johnson Stokes & Master, Hong Kong Bank Building, H.K. The University, Pokfulum, H.K. St. Peter-in-Chains Catholic Church, Kowloontsai, Kowloon, Dept. of Education, The University, Pokfulum, H.K. Diocesan Girls' School, Jordan Road, Kowloon, Anatomy Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MANSFIELD, Miss M. B. c/o Diocesan Girls' School, Jordan Road, Kowloon, MARSHALL, Dr. Patricia M. MARTINHO-MARQUES, E. J. MAYNARD, Prof. D. M. MEFFAN, Mrs. N. I. MEIJER, Dr. M. J. MICHAELIONES, Miss E. O. MIDDLEBROOK, R. W.* MILBURN, K. MILLER, A. C. MILLER, C. F. O.* Zoology Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. P. O. Box 104, Macau, c/o Chung Chi College, Ma Liu Shui, N.T. 201 Tregunter Mansions, Old Peak Road, H.K. Consulate General of the Netherlands, Room 1505, Central Building, H.K. The British Council, 1st Floor, Gloucester Building, H.K. 165, East 66th Street, New York 21, N.Y., U.S.A. Marine Dept., 102 Connaught Road, C., H.K. Union Research Institute, 9 College Road, Kowloon, c/o Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch, C.P.O. Box 255, Seoul, Korea. * Life Member Please notify the Hon. Secretary of any inaccuracy ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g EDITORIAL CONTENTS Page 1 4 9 PRESIDENT'S REPORT FOR 1966 HON. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1966 TRANSACTIONS OF THE BRANCH, 1966-67 : Hong Kong Mammals PATRICIA MARSHALL 11 The Travelling Palace of Southern Sung in Kowloon JEN YU-WEN 21 ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED : Printing: A New Discovery L. CARRINGTON GOODRICH 39 Expansion and Extension in Hakka Society L. G. AIJMER 42 A. D. BLUE 80 JAMES HAYES 91 REV. MR. KRONE 104 LIN SHU-YEN 138 The China Coasters Land and Leadership in the Hong Kong Region of Kwangtung ARTICLES Reprinted: A Notice of the Sanon District Salt Manufacture in Hong Kong NOTES AND QUERIES: Two Ming Cannon found in Hong Kong The Chan Clan of Tseung Kwan O, New Territories Visit to Places of Interest on Hong Kong Island, 1 April, 1967 BOOK REVIEWS LIST OF MEMBERS L. CARRINGTON GOODRICH LO HSIANG-LIN B. V. WILLIAMS JAMES HAYES 152 158 161 171 189 ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g HONG KONG MAMMALS PATRICIA MARSHALL 11 Introduction Zoologically the world may be divided into 5 regions, the Holarctic (Eurasia and North America; once connected across the Bering Straits), Oriental (South East Asia), Australasian (Australia and New Guinea), Ethiopian (Africa south of the Sahara) and South American regions. These regions are distinguished from one another by the different assemblage of animals which each contains. Hong Kong is situated on the borders between the Holarctic and Oriental regions, and its fauna is of interest in that it contains animals from both the Holarctic, such as the fox, and from the Orient such as the pangolin and the civets, Historical In the 10th century, Hong Kong was covered in dense tropical rain forest, with tall trees, and a fairly rich soil. In the early Sung dynasty Chinese people began to settle in this region and to farm in the traditional style of lowland cultivation. They drained the valleys to grow wet paddy, and kept cows, pigs and chickens. In doing so they were harassed by pirates from the sea and by wild beasts such as elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards and wolves from the forest. Particularly the herds of elephants did great damage to the crops, and in 962 A.D. the Buddhist farmers, to placate the wild elephants, collected together all the elephant bones they could find, buried them, and erected a stone pagoda. Today a temple stands on this site which is said to be just north of the Sino-British border, and a stone tablet inscribed with a prayer to the elephants is still present. Not only were there wild beasts in the forests but there were crocodiles and dugongs in the rivers. For fuel and to discourage the wild animals, the villagers burnt down and logged vast areas of forest. This had the desired effect Dr. Patricia Marshall has been lecturing in Zoology at the University of Hong Kong since 1962. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g 12 PATRICIA MARSHALL on the animals. Elephants and rhinos without food quickly left and with them many of the smaller animals. Much of the top soil disappeared. Without trees to hold it in place the rain washed the soil into rivers and out to sea. Even today a thousand years later the soil, flora and fauna have not recovered from the drastic deforestation carried out by the early settlers. A small fraction of the animals have been able to adapt themselves to this change in the vegetation. Of the seventeen orders of living placental mammals eight are represented today (see Table 1). There are insectivores such as shrews; a number of bats; at least one wild primate; pangolins; rodents which include rats, mice and porcupines; and a number of spectacular carnivores foxes, leopard-cats, otters and civets. There are also two hoofed animals, the wild boar and barking deer. Pangolin The most interesting local mammal is the pangolin (Plate 1). Pangolins have no near relatives but form an order of their own, the Pholidota. The back and tail of the pangolin is encased in scales which are modified hairs; and the skin of the face, belly and eyelids is thick to resist the stings of ants, bees and wasps. The claws are strong enough to dig through termite mounds and to demolish rotting tree trunks. The tongue is long and sticky for collecting termites and ant, bee or wasp larvae. The pangolin lives in a burrow, is nocturnal and is seldom seen, but it is fairly widespread in the Colony. A voracious destroyer of termites and pests it does much good and no harm to man. The pangolin does not take well to captivity. It is almost impossible to provide it with sufficient termites or ant larvae. It cannot be weaned onto an alternative diet, and although it may eat custard or milk this will not maintain it. Within a few weeks a captive dies. Pangolins brought to the Zoology Department of the University of Hong Kong are weighed, measured, marked and released in a suitable breeding area where others are known to be present. This is of far greater use to mankind than keeping them to die in captivity. Carnivores are the flesh eaters, and the most exclusively carnivorous of the carnivores is the tiger. Before 1940 tigers often ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g 14 PATRICIA MARSHALL horses and hounds could not penetrate the shrub and the hunt club eventually gave up and was dissolved. Today local foxes face a greater peril; persistent hunting by illegal shooting and trapping. Each winter a number of young foxes, probably imported, are sold alive in the markets for food, despite Government's attempts to stop this trade. Another mammal imported during the winter for food is the raccoon dog. It resembles the North American raccoon but in fact its nearest living relative is the domestic dog. It has never been recorded from Hong Kong but was common on the plains around Canton until at least 1914. In Russia it is encouraged and has been released in some areas to breed wild for fur. It is also useful as a destroyer of rats. In Hong Kong this animal is often treated with extreme cruelty being confined in small cages, too small for it to stand or turn round, and may be kept for several days on food stalls before being killed and eaten. Until 1966 they were commonly seen in the markets of Hong Kong and Kowloon, particularly in Shanghai and Market streets. They now appear to be kept in backrooms and sold under the counter. A fairly abundant wild mammal in the Colony is the ferret-badger. It is a true badger, feeding on insects, earthworms, small rats and mice. Plate 4 shows the broken white markings on the head and back. Like the leopard cat, it is a retiring, nervous mammal prone to die of nervous shock in captivity, although it can be tamed if caught young. Otters were once common here but are now rare due to illegal hunting. Fishermen have always persecuted them, although the more informed are now realizing that otters in an area improve rather than harm the fishing. Research on the life history and feeding habits has shown that although otters eat fish, they eat only diseased fish. By controlling the numbers of the sick they prevent the spread of fish diseases and so are beneficial to the fish population. Protection by law of the otter (since 1938) has not been effective. If some otters were kept in a zoo or in the Botanical Gardens so that people may see how very charming and captivating they can be, a few of the poachers may be dissuaded from killing them. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g 16 PATRICIA MARSHALL considerable time and energy, yet in a recent case where a poacher was eventually brought to trial he was fined the sum of only $50. There is no reason why these deer could not be farmed on patches of hillside. Their selective diet, unlike that of goats, makes them far less of an erosion hazard. If farmed scientifically they would not only add to the enjoyment of walkers but would provide venison in reasonable quantity from otherwise unproductive hillsides. Conservation The basic biological needs of any living community on land or in the ocean, including human communities, is food and oxygen. These two requirements are provided only by vegetation. Only plants can produce oxygen. Should all the plants die, and by some miracle the animals remain alive, all the oxygen in the atmosphere would be used up within 2 years. Vegetation replenishes the oxygen and provides basic food materials for almost all living things. Only plants can use the energy of sunlight to manufacture organic foods. Animals that eat plants can use the stored energy in the food to convert plant proteins, carbohydrates and fats into animal proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Without the raw materials from plants, animals cannot make these substances for themselves. The mammals of Hong Kong can be represented on a simplified food pyramid (see Table II). Each layer of the pyramid contains animals that feed on the animals in the layer beneath. Herbivorous animals (insects, rats, etc. in Hong Kong) form the food of the carnivores and insectivores (pangolins, birds of prey, snakes, civet cats etc.) and on these smaller carnivores live the larger carnivores (foxes, leopards, raccoon dogs and tigers). The animals lower down in the food pyramid are usually small and numerous and reproduce rapidly. They provide the basic food for the rest of the pyramid. Animals near the top of the pyramid are large and reproduce slowly. Should the animals in any one layer of the pyramid increase or decrease it would have far reaching effects on all the rest of the animals in the community. If the herbivores increase, the carnivores, with more food, would also increase. If the carnivores increase they would eat too many of the herbivores so that they would cause themselves to run short of food. On the other hand, if the carnivores were removed there would be nothing to check ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g 18 PATRICIA MARSHALL There is plenty of cover in these places for deer and civet cats. There are also a number of exotic wild birds, that would increase if left unmolested. The Sai Kung peninsula and the area above Plover Cove are also beautiful areas which it is hoped will never be used for building. It is for the people of Hong Kong to act in a responsible manner to themselves and to future generations to ensure that a little of the natural beauty and at least some of the native mammals of Hong Kong are conserved. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. REFERENCES Allen, G. M. (1938) The Mammals of China and Mongolia published by American Museum of Natural History, New York. Balfour, S. F. (1940-1941) “Hong Kong before the British”, Tien Hsia Vol. XI, No. 4 pp. 330-352 and No. 5 pp. 440-464. Grant, C. J. (1962) The Soils and Agriculture of Hong Kong. published by the Hong Kong Government Printer, pp 136-138. Herklots, G. A. C. (1951) The Hong Kong Countryside, printed by the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong. Marshall P. M. and Phillips, J. G. (1965) "Plans for Conserving the Wild life of Hong Kong," "Oryx” (Journal of the Fauna Preservation Society) Vol. VIII No. 2 pp 107-112. ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g Faeces and carcasses 20 PATRICIA MARSHALL Table II A simplified food pyramid for Hong Kong Carnivores: Tiger*, leopard*, man Carnivores: Fox, leopard cat, wild dog* birds of prey. Carnivores: Pangolin, frogs, lizards, snakes, ferret-badger, civet cats, mongoose* Herbivores: - Insects, rats, small birds, porcupine, deer, snails, slugs, termites Vegetation: - leaves, flowers, nectar, stems, roots, seeds, berries, nuts, bark, wood, etc. Oxygen photosynthesis Sun-light + minerals + water + carbon dioxide * Animals that no longer occur here, ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1967 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/0c488p70g 199 MCCABE, Donald C. - MCCABE, Mrs. S. J. - MCCOY, John MCCRARY, M.* MCDOUALL, J. C.* MCELNEY, B. S. - New Asia College Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6 Farm Road, Kowloon, Flat 1, Abermor Court, May Road, H.K. Division of Modern Languages, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, U.S.A. 25-A Robinson Road, Top floor, H.K. 13, The Green, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, England. Johnson Stokes & Master, Hong Kong Bank Building, H.K. MCFADZEAN, Prof. A. J. S. The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MCKEIRNAN, V. Rev. Michael J. St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, Kowloon Tsai, Kowloon. MCLEVIE, J. G. Dept. of Education, The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MADING, Dr. Klaus c/o German Consulate General, P.O. Box 250, H.K. MANEELY, R. B. Anatomy Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MANSFIELD, Miss M. B. c/o Diocesan Girls' School, Jordan Road, Kowloon. MARSHALL, Dr. Patricia M. Zoology Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MARTINHO-MARQUES, E. J. P. O. Box 104, Macau, MAXWELL, D. P. F. Jardine Matheson & Co., Ltd., Jardine House, H.K. MAYNARD, Prof. David M. Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California, U.S.A. MEFFAN, Mrs. N. I. 92 Kitano-cho, 2-chome, Ikuta-ku, Kobe, Japan. MEIJER, Dr. M. J. Consulate General of the Netherlands, Room 1505, Central Building, H.K. MICHAELIONES, Miss E. O.* c/o The British Council, 1, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds 2, England. MIDDLEBROOK, R. W.* 165, East 66th Street, New York 21, N.Y., U.S.A. MILBURN, K. Marine Dept., 102 Connaught Road, C., H.K. MILLER, A. C.* Union Research Institute, 9 College Road, Kowloon. MILLER, C. F. O.* c/o Royal Asiatic Society, Korea Branch, C.P.O. Box 255, Seoul, Korea. Life Member Please notify the Hon. Secretary of any inaccuracy ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1968 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/66833948d 5 1 June 19 June Miss Barbara E. Ward “Social and Economic Changes among the Boat People of Hong Kong.” Mr. Alan L. Kagan 44 Cantonese Puppet Theatre in Hong Kong" 4 September Dr. Patricia M. Marshall 2 October "The Meaning of Conservation and its Application in Hong Kong. Professor L. B. Thrower "The Flora of Hong Kong in its Geographical Setting. 20 November Professor G. B. Harrison "The Dutch Embassy to Peking 1794-95." 18 December Mr. G. B. Endacott "The Old City Hall. ** ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1968 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/66833948d 211 MANEELY, R. B. Anatomy Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MANSFIELD, Miss M. B. - c/o Diocesan Girls' School, Jordan Road, Kowloon. MAO, Dr. Philip Wen-chee + 326-8 Tung Ying Building, 100 Nathan Road, Kowloon. MARSHALL, Dr. Patricia M. MARTINHO-MARQUES, E. J.- MAXWELL, D. P. F. · Zoology Dept., The University, Pokfulum, H.K. P. O. Box 104, Macau, Jardine Matheson & Co., Ltd., Jardine House, H.K. MAYNARD, Prof. David M. Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California, U.S.A. MCBAIN, E. B. MCBAIN, G. T MCCABE, Mrs. S. J. MCCOY, John MCCRARY, M.* MCDOUALL, J. C.* MCELNEY, B. S. c/o Geo. McBain & Co., S.C.M.P. Building, H.K. c/o Imperial Chemical Industries (China) Ltd., 16th Floor, Union House, H.K. Flat 1, Abermor Court, May Road, H.K. Division of Modern Languages, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, U.S.A. 25-A Robinson Road, Top floor, H.K. 13, The Green, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, England. Johnson Stokes & Master, Hong Kong Bank Building, H.K. MCFADZEAN, Prof. A. J. S. The University, Pokfulum, H.K. MCKEIRNAN, V. Rev. Michael J. MCKENNA, Sister M. P. - St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church. Kowloon Tsai, Kowloon. Maryknoll Sisters, Waterloo Road, Kowloon McKEIRNAN, Sister Agnes - As above. MCLEVIE, J. G. MEFFAN, Mrs. E. I. - MEIJER, Dr. M. J. MICHAELIONES, Miss E. O. - ► MIDDLEBROOK, R. W.* - MILBURN, K. T Dept. of Education, The University, Pokfulum, H.K. 92 Kitano-cho, 2-chome, Ikuta-ku, Kobe, Japan. Consulate General of the Netherlands, Room 1505, Central Building, H.K. c/o The British Council, 1, St. Mark's Avenue, Leeds 2, England. 165, East 66th Street, New York 21, N.Y., U.S.A. Marine Dept., 102 Connaught Road, C, H.K. * Life Member Please notify the Hon. Secretary of any inaccuracy ================================================================================ RASHKB Journal 皇家亞洲學會香港分會學刊 | RAS-1991 https://digitalrepository.lib.hku.hk/catalog/k356gt84j 197 A NOTE ON HONG KONG'S WILDLIFE DAN WATERS In the mid-1960s, an Indian bird-watching friend counted 48 different species at King's Park, in the heart of Kowloon. In early 1955, when I first lived in Conduit Road, the western end resembled a delightful country lane and there you could occasionally hear barking deer call from Victoria Peak. Since late 1980 I have been going up and around the Peak regularly, four or five times a week. At first, I felt there was little wildlife left, but, more recently, largely because it is mainly nocturnal, my conclusions, agreeing with a second school of thought, are that there is far more than most people appreciate. On 26 April, 1989, I saw a dead masked palm civet in Barker Road. This was followed, on 11 November, 1990, by a dead ferret badger on Plantation Road, and, on 17 November, 1991, another on Severn Road. All had blood on their snouts and had probably been struck by vehicles. The last two were seen at daybreak. There are also 'good' years for snake sightings, and, in the autumn of 1991, I spotted a young cobra crossing Po Shan Road, near dwellings. The first snake I saw in 1992 was a cobra sunning itself, in mid March, on a hilly path off Hatton Road. Less frequently, one sees the odd fresh-water crab even as high up as Lugard Road, and blue-tailed skinks seem to appear in batches. Although not on the Peak, on the Royal Asiatic Society outing, on 4 March, 1989, high up near a plantation on Tai Mo Shan, RAS member Rosemary Lee and the son of Dr Elizabeth Sinn spotted what was believed to have been a crab-eating mongoose run across a track, off Route TWISK, in front of our coach. Patricia Marshall, in Wild Mammals of Hong Kong (1967), says, about the mongoose, 'Probably no longer exists in the Colony.' Nevertheless, according to a game warden at Mai Po Marshes, one was spotted by bird watchers at Tsim Bei Tsui at Christmas 1987. I have also been told of barking deer and porcupine being seen ================================================================================