ENG-1978 — Page 309

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NATURAL HISTORY

and published during 1978. New publications on flora included Hong Kong Fungi by G. A. Griffiths (Hong Kong Government Printer), Hong Kong Trees II by S. Thrower (Hong Kong Government Printer), Ferns of Hong Kong by H. Eddie (Hong Kong University Press) and The Genera of Orchidaceae in Hong Kong by S. Y. Hu (The Chinese University Press).

Before conservation, countless hillsides had been left bare of trees through cen- turies of cutting, burning and exposure to the elements. Their only cover was grassland or scrubland with patches of coarse grass. But now many slopes, particularly those in the water catchment areas, have been replanted with trees of both local and exotic species. These woodlands, and other areas of countryside, are protected and are being developed for the ever-increasing number of people who spend their leisure time in the countryside.

Remnants of bygone forests either as scrub forest or as well-developed wood- land - occasionally persist in steep ravines. These have survived the destructive in- fluences of man and fire by their precipitous topography and their moist winter microclimate. It is in such places that many of the more interesting plants grow. There also are small areas of well-grown woodlands near the older villages and temples. These fung shui, or sacred, groves owe their existence to the protection afforded by generations of villagers in accordance with ancient tradition.

On muddy sea shores, an interesting type of vegetation known as the Dwarf Mangrove Association occasionally occurs. There also are patches of vegetation peculiar to sandy beaches. These two vegetation types are particularly well adapted to their environment, providing a useful educational example.

Many species of plants in Hong Kong are noteworthy for the beauty or fragrance of their blossoms. They also attract butterflies and insects, while other plants bear fruit and seeds that serve as important sources of food for birds and animals.

Many villagers have a good working knowledge of the usefulness of some local plants. Aquilari sinensis is used in the manufacture of scented joss sticks. Among those used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines are Psychotria rubra, Ardisia crispa and Strophanthus divaricatus, which are considered good for bruises and certain injuries.

Botanical explorations carried out by the Hong Kong Herbarium, the two univer- sities and amateur botanists have been productive. New plant species previously unrecorded in Hong Kong have recently been found and are now represented in the herbarium collection. A new herb discovered in 1971 was named Boea guileana by B. L. Burt in 1977 in honour of the collector, Dr D. P. M. Guile.

The Zoological and Botanical Gardens, under the management of the Urban Council, were established as the Botanic Gardens about 1871. The layout of the seven-hectare gardens is strictly formal with wide paths, pavilions, flower beds and a central fountain. Near the main entrance is a plant house where tropical, shade- loving plants are cultivated. On the large fountain terrace are flowering and foliage plants originating from many climates.

Zoological exhibits in the gardens comprise both mammals and birds. The mammals include White-cheeked Crested Gibbons, Celebes Black Apes, Squirrel Monkeys, Golden Agoutis, Prevost's Tree Squirrels, raccoons, pumas and jaguars. Notable additions to the collection during 1978 were a pair of young orang-utans which have