Page:Twentieth Century Impressions of Hongkong, Shanghai, and other Treaty Ports of China.djvu/268

260 harbour, but the development of the Kowloon Peninsula and the consequent absorption of the rice-fields have driven them away. The early residents in Kowloon who handled a gun often obtained two or three couples in the early morning.

Voodcock are scarce, but are found at Shap-pat-heung, and it is asserted that they have bred on the island. Be that as it may, they are seldom found, and can hardly be said to be plentiful. Migratory quail usually arrive just when the paddy is being cut, or shortly after, and settle down among the paddy or in the long grass on the hills. For quail and partridge, dogs are necessary, and experience has proved that the home-bred dog is not of much use in Hongkong ; the going is far too heavy — there are too many

will be tempted to have a shot at them, as well as at hawks, kestrels, and a stray eagle. There are no pheasants in the neighbourhood, hut a cross crow-pheasant is sometimes seen. This, however, is carrion. The beautiful egret, which is much sought after on account of its wonderful plumage, is occasionally to be found. The only deer which roam the hills are the barking, or hog deer, and they are but seldom seen. They are to be found on Lantao Island, at Shatin, and also on the island of Hongkong itself, but here they are more or less protected. The Chinese " wonk " dog prt>ves very useful after deer and wild pig, but for a successful hunt one needs the co- operation of the villagers to organise a large drive. Very few people seem to have the LAWN BOWLS. Lawn- bowls started in Hongkong in quite an " innocent " sort of way, said a prominent supporter of bowls.' when approaclied by the writer, the formation of the Kowloon Howling Green Club in igoo being the result of a casual conversation among a few Scotchmen resident in Kow- loon. These few enthusiastic gentlemen, prominent amongst wlioni were Messrs. T. IVtrie, A. Ritchie, J. Gait, T. Skinner, G. K. Edwards, J. Macdonald, and A. Milroy, soon formed a club and secured a very desirable site in Kimberley Koad, but the' increasing value of land in Kowloon necessitated their removal. After making representations to the Government, the newlv formed Club suc- HONQKONG AND SHANGHAI FOOTBALL TEAMS. hills to climb and the undergrowth is very thick. In consequence, dogs have to be trained locally, and they are quite a success, though were a l<x:al dog transported to England he would drive every one mad with his impetuosity. To follow the dogs success- fully f<jr a day in this sort of country is no mean achievement, for one must be in good condition and a tine walker. There are thousands of doves to be obtained, as well as pigeons— of the latter the blue rock variety are the most common. Round about Deep Bay^near Samchun and the mouth of the Shap-pat-heung — the wild fowl congregate, teal, in particular, and wild duck, as well as the varieties mentioned above. Herons, pelicans, the paddy-bird, divers. &c., hardly come within the province of sport, but occasionally one of the party time to get away for this sport, which involves at least a couple of days absence, and it is hard work. The members of the police force who are stationed in the territory have suc- ceeded in getting both deer and pig at different times. Two pests infest this part of the country, in the shape of civet cats and foxes, and no doubt these — together with the hawks— tend to keep birds from breeding. The hawks are particularly daring and voracious, and it is not an unusual occurrence for the villagers to lose chickens from their very dofir steps. Rabbits and hares are con- spicuous by their absence, and though efforts have been made to introduce the former they have not been successful. ceeded in obtaining a piece of land in King's Park, which was at that time a swamp. This had to be drained, and the necessary expenditure for drainage and turfing almost ruined the Club. It managed to struggle on. however, being well supported by the members, the number of whom was steadily increasing, and then once more came the order, " Move on " — this time from the Government, for the King's Park scheme had been approved and the Bowling Club's corner was required for a cricket ground, though the Government placed at the dis- posal of the Club another and better site on the road side, mucli larger, and providing space for two full-size bowling greens, as well as two tennis courts. The provision f tennis courts paved the way for the addition of ladies into the Club as honorary members,