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520 species of Hongkong ferns. The Government also published (January, 1877) a complete alphabetical catalogue, compiled by Mr. C. Ford, of the plants in the Public Gardens.

The Chinese community shared in the general progress of the Colony. Whilst previously the Chinese newspapers of the Colony were exclusively under foreign management, the Chinese started (March, 1873) a Company, in which no foreigner was allowed a share, for the purchase of the London Mission type foundry, and published forthwith in Chinese a newspaper of their own (Universal Circulating Herald). Another instance of Chinese enterprise is the attempt made, in July 1873, to run steam-ferries between Hongkong and Kowloon city, though the movement was stopped at the time through the action of the British Consul in Canton, who represented to the Viceroy that the ferry-boats were merely intended to bring customers from Hongkong to the Kowloon gambling houses. That Hongkong had risen in the estimation of China, is evidenced by the fact that the Imperial Government of China condescended, in December, 1874, to contract a loan of £600,000 at 8 per cent. with the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and pledged as security for the loan the whole of the revenues of the Imperial Maritime Customs.

The obituary of this period includes, among many, the following most prominent names:—Lady Kennedy, who died in England (October 1874) highly revered by Hongkong residents as she had always given a tone of gentleness to the sterner rule of even the least severe Governor of Hongkong; F. Douglas (June, 1874), for over 12 years Superintendent of the Gaol; G. B. Falconer (died in London, August 5, 1875), the founder of the jewellers' firm of the same name; D. R. Caldwell (October 2, 1875), formerly Registrar General and latterly agent and general adviser to the leading members of the Chinese community by whom he was greatly trusted and respected; the Hon. W. H. Alexander, Registrar of Supreme Court, who died in Chefoo (February 22, 1876); Inspector O'Brien (July 21, 1876); Thomas Green, of the P. & O. Company (August 4, 1876);