Sessional_Paper_1894 — Page 272

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Protective Service.

32. The Forest Guards caused 105 cases to be brought before the Magistrates; 100 convictions were obtained.

This is an increase of 4 cases over those of 1892 and of 8 convictions. 23 convicted persons paid fines amounting to $126.50, a decrease of 6 persons, and an increase of $39, respectively, over the figures of the previous year. The lowest fine was 50 cents and the highest $16.

The offences consisted chiefly of cutting down trees, breaking off branches, and grazing goats and cattle in prohibited places. The number of trees surreptitiously cut down was 456 scattered over about 50 different places.

33. A good deal of damage continues to be done to the Chinese New Year shrub Enkianthus quinqueflorus when it is in flower, and increasing injury to ornamental flowering and other shrubs and trees is done by the servants of foreigners, chiefly residents at the Peak, who are sent out regularly to procure decorations for their employers' rooms. I made the attempt of rearing ornamental flowering trees and shrubs on the hills and places adjacent to roads for the purpose of improving landscape effects, but I regret to say, that the action of foreign residents, or their employees, have quite discouraged this work, as it is impossible to preserve the trees from being wrecked when in flower.

34. The number of Forest Guards was increased from three to five which has enabled a little closer supervision to be exercised over trees during the year.

Jungle Fires.

35. Only 22 fires occurred as against 63 in the previous year, but these destroyed 4,000 trees, double the quantity burnt by the 1892 fires.

36. It is impossible to obtain positive evidence of the way in which fires originate, but I have no doubt that grasscutters and those who rake up pine leaves and collect cones for fuel are greatly responsible; the careless use of matches by smokers probably being the cause. These people cannot be prevented from cutting grass and raking leaves on unenclosed lands, as their work is not illegal. The importance of preventing fires now that so many trees are jeopardised by them indicates the advisability of considering whether the existing Ordinances should not be amended in order that effective control may be exercised over the large number of people who find employment on lands where trees need better protection.

37. One of the most destructive fires of the season was, apparently, started by a picnic party at Deep Water Bay; the party, I was informed, made off in a steam launch without taking any steps to subdue or report the fire.

38. Ancestral worship at tombs takes place chiefly on particular days in spring and autumn, and this unfortunately is when vegetation (in consequence of its being the dry season) is in its most combustible state. I have taken the precaution of posting on these days the whole of the forestry staff, supported by extra coolies, amounting in all to about 80 men, all over the Island on points of vantage where they could most promptly and efficiently subdue any fires which the worshippers started near graves or cemeteries.

In addition placards in Chinese, drawn up by the Registrar General, warning people to be specially careful in the use of fire, have been distributed and posted up.

These precautions have had a most beneficial effect in diminishing the number and extent of fires.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Acting Colori: Secretary,

$e..

&C.

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

CHARLES FORD, Superintendent,

Botanical and Afforestation Department.