|
|
| |
| Hong
Kong Vegetation 160 years ago (cont'd - page 4)
|
| |
(picture from AllPosters.com)
To the vallies then is nearly restricted all the cultivation
of the island. The selection is usually made where these
terminate on the coast, the sides of the vallies here
expanding, and the supply of water for irrigation being
more abundant and regular. Still, the surface requires
some artificial levelling, and the peasantry often distribute
it into a series of broad terraces, from one to two feet
above each other, and which, from a distance, resemble
gigantic staircases. Great neatness is conspicuous in
their formation; sometimes the sides are faced with stonework,
though an earthy barrier usually suffices, and the outline
is formed with much regularity. A healthy supply of water
from the neighbouring stream is admitted by suitable channels,
according to the necessities of the growing crop, and
sometimes women pour water over the plants, individually,
from large buckets of bamboo with long spouts. This they
often practice in the middle of the day, when the sun
is at its highest. The staple production of these terraces
is the sweet potato, but yams and cocoes [cocos] are also
cultivated; turneps [turnips] are evidently favourites,
and it is rare to see an establishment without a corner
devoted to a bed of onions. A few other vegetables may
occasionally be met with. Fruits are apparently considered
unworthy of the close attention of this thrifty population,
and they are rarely to be seen; the Chinese have a bad
opinion of trees in the vicinity of cultivation, and do
not regard the fruit they yield as a sufficient compensation
for their hurtful influence.
Back
Next
|
|
|
|
