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NATURAL HISTORY

of Lady MacLehose, who is a keen naturalist. Other species include the White Susanna Orchid, the Yellow Buttercup Orchid, the Pink Bamboo Orchid and the Purple Lady's Slipper Orchid.

The Botanic Gardens under the management of the Urban Services Department was established in about 1871 for educational and display purposes. At the main entrance is the granite memorial gate, erected by the Imperial War Graves Commis- sion to commemorate all Chinese who died through enemy action during the years 1914-8 and 1939-45 in the services of the British Government.

A group of Aleurites moluccana trees grown on both sides along the steps gives excellent shade in summer months. Along the path which leads up from the memorial gate, rows of flamboyant Delonix regia trees provide masses of brilliant red flowers in early summer.

The layout of the 17-acre gardens is strictly formal, with wide paths, pavilions and a large fountain as the central feature. These are surrounded by large flower beds in which a regular display of colour is maintained. The seasons of the year have a distinct bearing on the choice of subjects suitable for display. As a general rule during the wet summer months, plants such as Canna, Cosmos and Celosia form the mainstay of the gardens while in the cool dry winter, Astas, Antirrhinums, Dianthus, Delphiniums, Nasturtium, Petunias, Phlox and Verbena are grown to good effect.

Not far from the main entrance there is a plant house where tropical, shade- loving plants are cultivated, and on the spacious lawns and grass slopes many trees and flowering shrubs are planted. The Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) growing in various parts of the gardens is probably the most beautiful winter flowering tree. It has a long flowering period from early November till the end of March.

Under the Forestry Ordinance, special protection is given to certain plants in- cluding camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year Flower.

The Hong Kong Herbarium, established in 1878, contains an important collection of about 31,500 plant specimens, including all the known 1,890 indigenous species and varieties, some 600 exotic species and varieties and some 2,500 related species from adjacent regions of East and Southeast Asia. The Hong Kong Herbarium, is situated at the headquarters of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in the Canton Road Government Offices in Kowloon, and is open to the public.