Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women - Wise Acres Yearbook (Ambler, PA)

Text from Pages 1 - 52 of the 1917 volume:

DREER’S SEEDS PLANTS BULBS AND HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES For seventy-nine years we have been furnishing our goods to mast critical buyers, and are in a position to fill your orders for anything pertaining to the Garden. Greenhouse, Lawn and Farm, including Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Lawn Grass Seeds, Farm Seeds, Garden Implements, Fertilizers, Insecticides, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Rollers, etc. Also Plants of all kinds, including the choicest varieties of Roses, Dahlias, Hardy Perennials, etc., all of which are fully described in DREER’S GARDEN BOOK FOR 1917 Together with useful cultural notes for the amateur gardener Call or Write for a copy — FREE 714 16 Chestnut St Pbiladelphia. —:THE:— First National Bank OF AMBLER, PA. Capital $100,000. Surplus $100,000. Harry G. Lange Practical Horsesfioer General Jobbing Jarrettown, Penna. William Rodemick DBALER IN Dry Goods, Notions, Groceries and General Merchandise J. Watson Craft E. H. Faust President Vice-President Wm. A. Davis, Cashier JARRETTOWN, PA. and the Roof Caught That spark destroyed more than the home—it has swept away things that neither money nor labor can restore— things that sentiment and love have rendered priceless. Some cold, bleak night you and your family may also be mournfully looking at a heap of ruins that a few minutes previous was your home, unless you protect yourself against the devastation of the stray spark; the one certain protection is to roof with Ambler Asbestos Century” Shingles. But don’t do it until you’ve proved to yourself that they are fireproof—not parity, but absolutely. Send us your address and we will mail you a sample Ambler Asbestos Century” Shingle and also tell you where you can most conveniently obtain them. Hold this sample shingle over a lamp. Hold it there as long as you like and it won’t bum—it can’t—it’s asbestos. Test the shingle for toughness. Try and bend it. You can’t. Just because you can’t, it makes a roof that lasts— nobody knows how long, but at least as long as your house. Look at its beauty—its soft, artistic, unfading colorings. It comes in red, blue-black and gray. It doesn’t need paint and it never will. KEASBEY MATTISON COMPANY, Dept. A, Ambler, Pa. AMBLER Offices and Warehouses in all Important Cities throughout the United States A ■ B EaanEsa l ■ J Asbestos Shingles Shingle roof can’t wear out. doesn't depreciate, doesn't leak, split nor warp. It stands up equally well in the coldest winter and the hottest summer. Its only expense is its first cost and that is low. quality and worth considered. Right now, write us for the sample shingle. W. N. HEISS ----DEALER IN- Dry Goods, Notions, Millinery, Men’s Furnishings H. J. DAGER, INC. SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE AND MORTGAGES FARMS A SPECIALTY AMBLER, PA. J. M. KIRK 303-305 Butler Ave., AMBLER, PA. J. Watson Craft SANITARY PLUMBING GAS AND STEAM FITTING Pumping machinery of all kinds Windmills, Gas Engines, etc. OFFICE, 304 BUTLER AVENUE both phones AMBLER, PA. Diamonds, Watches, Clocks, Silverware, Cut Glass, etc. —at— Lampbere’s Jewelry Store AMBLER, PA. Ambler, Pa. Manufacturer of and Dealer in “Enterprise” Brand of Scratch S Mash Feed Dairy Feed constantly in stock. Complete Line of BUILDING MATERIAL THIS BOOKLET FROM THE PRESS OF AMBLER PRINTING HOUSE THE BETTER KIND OF PRINTING 11 SOUTH MAIN ST. LEHIGH COAL BELL PHONE AMBLER. PA. Pittsburg Electric Fence and other Fencing Materials 402 8c 404 N. SECOND T STREET. WHOLESALE MEATS PROVISIONS AND POULTRY o Bell Phone 42-A VICTOR MAYER LADIES’ and MEN’S TAILOR Steam Dyeing and Scouring Altering, Cleaning and Pressing. Repairing Neatly Done 421 Butler Avenue, Ambler, Pa. H. R. NIBLOCK RESTAURANT OYSTER HOUSE Oysters in all Styles Neals at all Hours WB MANCFACTCRB ICB CRBAM 417 Butler Avenue Both Phones AMBLER, PA. ALL THE TIME CONTENTS Editorial...................................... 2 A Letter from a Former Student................. 3 More Honor to William Dutcher.................. 5 The Proposed Bee House....................... 7 In Memoriam.................................... 9 Alumnae Notes..................................10 School Notes...................................10 Exchanges......................................12 Smiles 12 d$5 d$5 6 6 2 5 §6 2 5 2$5 2$5 2$6 2$$ 2$6 2$5 2 6 6 5 4 WISE-ACRES VoL. hi February, 1917. No. 12 1 . � -■-=.■ i' - ■! ■ . ■ j -- ■ ■ ■ - — a 1 ■ - ■■ 1. . . ■ 1 .... Published Quarterly by the Students op the School of Horticulture for Women, Ambler, Pa. Entered at the Ambler Post Office as Second-Class Matter staff Editor-in-Chicf, Amy Woodruff Associate Editor, Marion Hardy Exchange Editor, Edith Sisc Business Manager, Katherine Cohen Associate Business Manager, Beatrice George Secretary, Ruth A. Gerhard Advertising Editor, Beatrice L. Williams Associate Advertising Editor, Isabel Marquedant One Dollar a Year Single Copy, Twenty-five Cents EDITORIAL The origin of very successful schools and colleges should interest us. The origin of Oxford and Cambridge is very obscure. They were probably the result of the uniting of very small schools. Harvard, the oldest university in the United States, was founded and started in 1638 by a small sum of money and three hundred books. It now has over four thousand students and an endowment fund of about twenty-four million dollars. Yale was at first a small denominational school near Saybrook, Connecticut. Now it is one of the most influential institutions of learning in the country. Our near neighbor, Haverford, resulted from the suspension of Haverford School for eleven years from 1845 to 1856 in order to collect an endowment. The result of this endowment was Haverford College. The success of a school does not depend upon its circumstances as much as upon its alumni, faculty and students. Although the students of many private institutions do everything from giving plays to selling peanuts for the endowment fund of their schools, this work is not as important in the actual results attained as in the spirit of helpfulness and loyalty manifested to their Alma Mater. Our fondest dreams may not reach the height of seeing our school vieing with Oxford and Yale in fame and influence, but we may entertain hopes of our school’s future success and growth on account of its value to its students. We enjoy our work and we realize that it is a new sort of work for women. We are, consequently, anxious that others interested in horticulture should have our opportunity. It goes without saying that no one will come to us who has not heard of us. We, as students and later as Alumnae, are best fitted to spread the news. However great a spirit of independence our work may inspire in us, we must, nevertheless,. admit our indebtedness to the school. Wrhen we graduate, one of the foremost of our concerns should be: are we tangible answers to the ever-resounding question—“But what does the school fit you to do?” 2 A fetter from a former J ufceni November 23, 1916 My dear Seniors Five: I have so much to write that I hardly know where to begin. I wish that I might tell it all to you rather than write it to you. I wonder if it is storming in Ambler tonight as it is here. If so you are probably, all sitting about the fire in the sitting room. This is quite the funniest place I ever struck or hope to strike in the future for some time to come. The grounds here consist of some twenty acres sloping down to the Concord river and are perfectly beautiful. There are about twelve acres in orchard lands, pear as well as apple, an asparagus bed, a patch which at some former time aspired to be a berry patch, a few battered cold frames and a wreck of a perennial flower border. You see this is the first year that the school has occupied this location and before that the place had been deserted for some time and everything had been, allowd to go to ruin. Up to the present time the orchard has kept me out of mischief. We had between six and seven hundred bushels of fruit, mostly Gravenstein, McIntosh, Ben Davis and Baldwin apples and Bose pears. It was almost impossible to find pickers at first until I finally discovered a night duty policeman over at the junction who would come during the day and pick for nine cents a bushel. For the most part the apples were small and had not been properly sprayed. I loved the work in the orchard and it was loads of fun. The last of the Baldwins went off this week and when the returns from those come in I can make up the final accounts. At present I find few idle moments on my hands. In the morning 1 teach Arithmetic, History, Reading, Writing, English and Composition and Handwork, and in the afternoon I have organized play and Horticulture. In the evening I help amuse the youngsters and in between times I correct endless reams of papers and plan out lessons. You would hardly recognize it as a day’s work for a Horticulturist, would you? There are between fifty and sixty children in the school—many of the girls almost as old as I and it is really very ludicrous indeed. I just never saw quite such abominably behaved children in my life as were the small youngsters of my fifth grade at the beginning of the year. 'They had absolutely no more idea of order and respect or obedience than so many kittens and they were extremely difficult to manage, but now that I finally have them whipped into shape they are perfectly darling and we have the nicest times together. The girls seem to enjoy the Nature Study and Gardening. Last September I asked the principal, if I might have a potting bench as equipment for my classes. She replied that she didn’t see why I could not turn over a box and use it. I was rather stunned for a moment but then I saw that it was up to me to prove myself a good enough teacher to get on without equipment. Of course I realized that a poor teacher could make a perfect mess of a lesson in a splendidly equipped labratory and vice versa, but it did seem that the request for a potting bench was not an unreasonable one—when one had the job of teaching forty small and large children the art of Horticulturing. 3 However, despite 'such little vicissitudes, we are progressing along Horticultural lines. With the very tiniest youngsters I have taken up Birds—their nests, young, etc., and wasps and such every day things of interest. We are busy at present with preparations for a birds7 Christmas Tree. The older children had a busy time selecting their bulbs from the catalogue and we had lessons on the uses of the catalogue, potting, labelling and storing and care of bulbs etc. We managed to pot up several hundred bulbs—(despite the lack of a bench) and we are growing some in water and some in pebbles. The oldest group has just begun work on the window boxes which I trust will be a success. We have also had a good deal of field work with the trees and birds. The primary teacher broke down and left about three weeks ago and since then I have had to take several of her classes so it has been pretty strenuous. There are five other teachers but we seldom see much of each other. Unfortunately matters are so arranged that we never have our free times together. We get together occasionally long enough to repeat from the depths of our hearts: I wish I was a rock A sitting on a hill A doin’ nothing all day long But just a sitting still. I wouldn’t sleep, I wouldn’t eat, I wouldn’t even wash; I’d just sit still a thousand years And rest! myself, by Gosh! which expresses our sentiments most of the time. But I’ve decided that one has to swallow a jolly good lot for the sake ol Experience—and anyway no one can ever, ever look at me and say: “You know you have never had any Experience.” The location of the place is perfectly beautiful and the children are adorable but I get pretty homesick for Ambler sometimes. I; think of you so, so often. Every Thursday I think: “This is Trees and Shrubs day at Ambler.” And then Friday is Botany. So, even though I have not written, I have thought of you ever and ever so often. Oh! how I wish I might be with you all tonight! In reading over this epistle I don’t know whether you can make any sense out of it or not. There are bushels of exam papers waiting to be corrected so I mustn’t write any more tonight. Everybody, write to me when you can, please. Good-night, with ever and ever so much love for the seniors and the rest at Ambler, 4 Lovingly, LOUISE (JHore |Mmt0r to Pulliam plutcfyer The hard and untiring work incident to bringing about a reform or a conservation is often lost sight of in ultimate results. Today in practically every state in the United States attention is paid to the study of bird life; lectures are given on the economic value of bird protection and effort is made to show the inestimable value of our birds to the farmer and to all vegetation. The schools all over the country are encouraging interest in birds; in observation of their habits, food, and dwelling places; in the actual making of bird houses, bird shelters and drinking and bathing stations. Not many years ago a knowledge of bird life was relegated to the ornithologist almost solely, and though at times the nature lover joined the scientist in his ramble it was rare to find a layman aware of the intrinsic value of that part of earth’s creation—the bird. An Audubon society existed only where a scientist was able to gather a few enthusiasts about him. Bird reservations were unknown. Today hundreds of acres of land,, inland and island, are set aside by our government and purchased in other instances by public spirited benefactors and given over to the National Association of Audubon Societies for the preservation of bird life. Thus have grown up bird reservations where birds can sojourn and breed unmolested. One of the foremost and most untiring workers is Mr. William Dutcher, president of the National Association of Audubon Societies, an incorporated body with headquarters at 1974 Broadway, New York city. The secretary of the association, Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, writes on p. 205 of the May-June issue of Bird Lore, 1916: “About five and a half years have now elapsed since William Dutcher, President of this Association, was stricken with paralysis. During all this time he has been unable to speak or engage in activities of any'character. His mind is, in many ways, as clear as ever, and he follows with the keenest interest every effort of the Association. He reads continually, and by his gestures frequently communicates his desire to Mrs. Dutcher, his sister, or his attendant, that he wishes cut, from a newspaper or magazine that he has been reading, some note in reference to the protection of wild birds or animals. “To those who have lately come into the field of wild-life conservation, the great work of Mr. Dutcher should be told again and again. It was he who gave life and purpose to the National Committee of Societies, twelve or fifteen years ago; and, largely due to his energy and foresight, the National Association was organized eleven years ago last January. The people) of America owe him a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid. “This feeling of appreciation of Mr. Dutcher is felt by thousands of persons throughout the country, who havq never told Mr. Dutcher a word about it. I wish to take this opportunity to say to the members and friends of the Association, that anyone who feels disposed to write him a letter at any time may feel assured that their message will be received by Mr. Dutcher with the greatest pleasure.” In answer to that invitation a nature lover and conservationist at heart, who through ill-health is also more; or less handicapped, sent the following poem, “A Bird’s View”, to Mr. Dutcher. 5 What is it, father, that says; “clickit”, And then a loud, ‘‘bang bang” I hear it often in the thicket, Where you and mother sang? “It sounds so hard and sharp, so shrill, As it rattles through the wood. And afterward all is so still: I tremble from head to foot.” “I’ve trembled too, as your mother’s done, Though often we’ve heard the noise. ’Tis the shot you hear from the hunter’s gun, That peace and life destroys. “’Tis claimed that hunting’s a harmless art And fosters manly virtues; And brings man close to nature’s heart— But that is not a bird’s view. “It seems to me if man’s desire Is, nature to know and cherish, He’d better with his gun retire, Ere some of her beauties perish. “This, my child, is your father’s view But I am; only a bird ; Yet animals and some men, few, Agree with me, I’ve heard.” Mr. Dutcher replied in a letter signed by himself though written by his secretary. In part, he said; “I enjoyed reading your poem, “A Bird’s View.” It expresses my own views too. If we could only make man realize he! is working against his own interests when he kills the birds; but our hope for the future lies in the younger generation, whom we must educate. The work is going on briskly, and many, many children are interested.” There is an old adage which says: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The ornithologist says: “One bird in the bush is worth two in the hand.” God speed his efforts, and all praise to the band of wildlife conservationists, of which the Honorable William Dutcher is a strong beacon-light. HOPE H. GIRARD. 6 ®lje |3r0paseii pee pause The members of this year’s bee keeping class who have worked so industriously and intelligently out in the school apiary, have probably had a greater stimulus before them than previous classes in the promise of a bee house. It might almost be called a honey house, as there all the extracting and bottling of honey will take place; but bee house seems the larger term since everything to do with the bees is kept there. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” What a change from former things when all supplies were kept in the cellar, stacked up and piled together, and much time was lost and patience put to trial, when there were hurried calls in the apiary, and what was needed could not be found. Then, too, think of the hard work wheeling 500 pounds of honey in heavy supers all the way from the apiary to the spring house where the extracting was done. The bottles were washed at the house and placed in a clothes basket on a wheelbarrow and wheeled down to the spring house; because, of course, to wash everything clean, one must have hot water and soap, not spring water. After the honey was extracted and bottled, the 500 bottles were placed in crates; and many a wheelbarrow load was taken to the Jam Kitchen, where the stickiness was removed by cloths dipped in very hot water. Then the labels were pasted on and the honey was ready for sale. Therefore, at extracting time, three different, and one might almost call them remote, localities at the School of Horticulture were upset, or at any rate, disturbed by the proceeding. Not to mention the line of bees that followed the wheelbarrow loads and sat outside the spring house door, which, in spite of the hot weather, had to be kept tightly closed. These same bees took gladly, one might almost say thankfully, to, the sticky bottles, and followed them on their trip to the Jam Kitchen; thus forming two lines dangerous to pass, as indeed, Joe, the Italian boy, and one of the maids can testify, as well as some of the students at work in their little gardens near the greenhouse. So a new era will open to the students of apiculture in which they will have a place where work can be done in the most approved and up to date fashion. The bee house must be bee proof or tightly screened, so as to eliminate all danger of robbing. It must be mouse proof or at least have receptacles to keep the extra combs safe from mice or wax moths, so that each year one third of the bees’ work of the previous summer will not be wasted. In the new bee house each student should have her work bench, where while constructing a hive, she may become familiar with its intricate parts. The work benches can be covered with white oil cloth, so that when the honey is extracted the bottles of honey can be neatly placed there to be wiped and labeled, or the empty bottles placed in a row to fill. The floor of the bee house should be of such material as can be washed out thoroughly; for honey, in spite of the greatest care, has a strong propensity to get on the floor. A cement or concrete floor could be well washed out and would prove a difficult barrier to the entrance of field mice. 7 The new bee house will enable the students to do some work with the wax; for with a stove and hot water and a wax press, there should be plenty of wax to work with and to sell. Dipped candles and work basket ornaments, floor wax and furniture polish can easily be made. Neat little cakes of beeswax to sell to druggists or larger cakes to trade for bee supplies will make a very profitable sideline' to the sale of honey. To summarize the bee house needs, calls to one’s mind the poem beginning with this line “Man wants but little here below.” Below, in a list, will be seen a few of the bee house wants: An extractor, preferably one run by a gasoline engine. Working an extractor is very hot fatiguing work, and it comes at the hottest time of the year. A stove, for cold weather, and to provide hot water when needed. A sink with running water. Work benches. Drawers. Shelves. A place in which to keep the veils, gloves and aprons of the class. A tool chest. LETITIA E. WRIGHT, JR. 8 IN MEMORIAM Whereas, an all-wise Providence has removed from our midst our friend, HAZEL ELIZABETH HENGEN Be it Resolved: That we, the members of the Undergraduate Association of the School of Horticulture, express our sorrow at the loss of our fellow-student and extend to her family our heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement; Be it further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be entered upon the minutes of the Undergraduate Association this 25th day of January, 1917. Be it further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be sent to her family. LUCY PARKE TAYLOR, President BEATRICE GEORGE, Secretary. 9 JVIuntna otca Miss Dorothy Cloud is now working with her sister. Miss Katherine Cloud, in the greenhouse of Mrs. Ellison Walbaun, at Ithan, Pa. Miss Ruth LaGanke has left Sleighton Farms and expects to take up horticultural work in Cleveland, Ohio. Miss Angela Newbold has charge of a portion of the estate of Clement A .Griscom, at Haverford, Pa. Miss Newbold expects to leave shortly for Florida where she will supervise the pruning of trees on their winter estate. Mr. and Mrs. William Salter Freeman have announced the engagement of their daughter, Carolyn Bell Freeman, to Dr. A. R. Renninger of Philadelphia. Miss Frances Baisdell spent last summer planting the grounds of her home at Puxsutawney, Pa. Miss Elizabeth Wiestling has returned to her home in Chambersburg Pa. Miss Clare Bell is working in a commercial greenhouse in Erie, Pa. SCHOOL NOTES When we returned to school after the Thanksgiving holidays, we had another four footed friend, “Swank”, the gift of Miss Gertrude Ely, He is proving himself extremely useful in many ways. November 28th—Miss Lois Goss gave a lecture on bees at a meeting of the Junior Guild of St. Thomas Church in Whitemarsh. Some of the Seniors have been pruning old apple trees and grapevines on the Fraley estate in Whitemarsh Valley. December 5th—Mr. Arthur Herrington of Madison, New Jersey, gave an illustrated lecture on “Ornamental Shrubs”. It was very interesting and instructive. December 6th—The cows got loose and walked on the bulbs! Much excitement—the whole school turned out to drive them in! December 12th—This was an eventful day, for we gave our annua) neighborhood Christmas party. It was an enormous success and we felt well repaid for our labors. December 13, 1916—The Seniors went toi Mr. Alfred G. Burton's in Chestnut Hill to see his extensive rose houses. December 14th—Louise Carter, a graduate of last year, sent a Christmas box to the school. We opened it in the living room and had a jolly time toasting marshmallow's and popping corn. Three rousing cheers for Louise! December 15th—The long-looked-for vacation began. January 16th, 1917—We returned to school and also a new class was entered. Hereafter, the school year will commence in January. We wish the new students the greatest success ever. January 22nd—“Come and trip it as you go On the light fantastic toe” 10 A dancing class, under the direction of Mrs. S. Haudain Duer. manager of the Philadelphia Charity ball, was started; the students will dance for eight consecutive Monday evenings from 7.45 until 9.15. Come and join us all; The students wish to thank Miss Dock for the extremely useful Christmas present she has given the school—“The Cyclopedia of Horticulture” by L. H. Bailey. “The James River Garden Club will meet in the home of Mrs. Thomas A. Smyth on Tuesday afternoon at 3.30 o'clock. A full meeting is desired, as Miss Park Taylor a student of the Women's Horticultural School at Ambler, Pa., will give a talk. Members are asked to note the change in the day of meeting.” Times Dispatch, Richmond, Va. “S-c-h o-o-l—school of”, Johnny Carr was only in the fourth grade, so he could not spell out the words further, before the big motor truck, full of laughing girls, had switched around the corner and the sign at its rear was no longer visible. Johnny turned slowly around and perceived his brother Paul also gazing open-mouthed after the truck. “What did it say?” inquired Paul. “Some kind of a school, out for an airin', I guess. Probably an orphan asylum,” was the testy answer. Paul wished his small brother would not always expect him to know everything. It was sometimes embarrassing. Such was the case this time, for even the sixth grade, in which Paul labored, had not yet achieved the word “Horticulture” and as for knowing what it meant, Paul was utterly at a loss. But he pondered the big word as he walked on toward home, “School of Horticulture for Women”. What kind of a school was it? It surely must be a jolly place, those girls—they weren't women—certainly were having a good time. The truck was full to overflowing, a row of girls down each side and one or two in the middle, with baskets of big red cheeked apples piled in between and four girls kicking their heels over the tailboard and munching apples. Paul wouldn’t forget how good those apples looked. What a merry load it was! If Paul could have looked back half a it hour and around a few corners to the Norristown Courthouse, he would have seen the School of Horticulture for Women playing a very different part. For this gay party was returning from the annual meeting and exhibit of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society. All the afternoon they had been listening to lectures and examining specimens of fruit or insect pests. They had knowingly compared the virtues of Stayman, Hubbardson and York Imperial. They had behaved quite like a school of horticulture for women. But it is good for us to be just “girls”, at times. And it’s a question if Paul did not see the best part of the afternoon's outing, when the School of Horticulture came rolling home in their motor truck, laughing and singing ard testing their apples in a purely practical way. II Since the last issue of “Wise Acres”, we have received the following exchanges and we wish to acknowledge them with thanks: Les Collines Persimmons Lasell Leaves The Irwinian The Pine Needle The Wellesley College Magazine The Simmons Quarterly The Wissahickon The Reminder The Signal The Garnet and White The Winsor Lamp The Chestnut Burr SMILES That ended it.—“I am afraid it won't fit,” she said, as she tried the ring. “That's funny,” he mused, “I never had any trouble with it before.” A Bull's Eye.—Professor-“What has been the dominant character of America’s military program up to the last three years?” Stude—“Not prepared sir,.” Professor—“Correct.” Accuracy.—“I am delighted to meet you,” said the father of the college student, shaking hands warmly with the professor. “My son took algebra from you last year, you know.” “Pardon me,” said the professor, “he was exposed to it, but he did not take it.” True Pity.—Hostess-“Doesn't it seem a shame, Mr. Jones, that this poor little lamb should have to die for us?” Mr. Jones-“Ah, yes, indeed 1 It is rather tough.” German Efficiency.—“Those Germans are certainly efficient,” said father at the breakfast table. “How so? How?” asked mother. “Why,” said father, “I see they have put the whole question of the food supply into the hands! of the Minister of the Interior.” Captious.—“Is this beef too rare for you, Mr. Simpkins?” “Well, since you ask me, Mrs. Skinner,. I would like it a little oftener.” Could Suit Her.—“Do you guarantee these colors fast?” asked the customer at the hosiery counter. “Certainly not, madam,” replied the new clerk in the fullness of his knowledge. “Black is never considered a fast color, you know, but I can show you something pretty swift in stripes.” “But I'm afraid George will think this skirt too short.” “Far from it. Man wants but little here below, nor wants that little long.” 12 AMBLER BAKING CO Whatever else you may select in your daily order of food supplies remember the two strong points about our products: THE SANITARY METHODS employed in making the goods and the STANDING INVITATION to the public to visit the plant at any time. BREAD—ROLLS—CAKES BAKERY: AMBLER, PENNA. REES C. ROBERTS Apothecary No. I Main St., AMBLER, PA. The Methods of the House of Burpee Should make a strong appeal to those who wish success with their Garden of Beauty or their Garden of Plenty. The Horticultural School for Women Has given you an insight of the proper methods to apply. Let us start you on the right road by mailing you a Copy of our Annual, and also our 40th Anniversary Supplement. Write today “lest you forget.” A post card will do. W. ATLEE BURPEE CO. Burpee Bldgs., Philadelphia CITY GARAGE L. D. MYERS Proprietor Agent for the Maxwell, Cole, Dodge and Olds-mobile Gars TAXI SERVICE Demonstrations on revest Fall Line of Accessories Gars to hire at all hours for all purposes at reasonable rates by hour or trip. Both Phones. Upholsterer, Cabinet Maker and Finisher Furniture repaired and recovered or made to order, to fit any place in your home; made right, and we beat Philadelphia houses on prices. Let us show samples of carpets, linoleums, awnings and shades; estimates furnished. A. LAPETINA 405 Batter Aye., AMBLER, PA. Keystone Phone 34x Bell Phone 26 m BODDINGTONS SEEDS PATRONIZE THE RELIABLE ALWAYS 1917 GARDEN GUIDE 1917 NOW READY. SEND FOR YOUR COPY “WISE-ACRES” Artljur Habittngtmt ffin. 3Jnr. 128 CHAMBERS ST., NEW YORK. ADVERTISERS School of Horticulture for Women AMBLER, PENNSYLVANIA. THOROUGH, practical and theoretical training given in all branches of Horticulture, including culture of fruit, flowers, vegetables, under glass and in the open. Instruction given in marketing, packing, carpentry, garden designing, bee-keeping, poultry. Regular course two years, diploma granted. Special courses can be arranged. The following products we offer for sale. GREENHOUSE. Carnations, snapdragons, ferns, begonias, primulas etc. NURSERY. A limited supply of rare, well grown Nursery Stock. POULTRY. Broilers, capons, roasting and stewing chickens. JAM KITCHEN. Jams, jellies, preserves, canned fruits. HONEY. Honey for sale. DREER’S SEEDS PLANTS BULBS AND HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES For seventy-nine years we have been furnishing our goods to most critical buyers, and are in a position to fill your orders for anything pertaining to the Garden, Greenhouse, Lawn and Farm, including Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Lawn Grass Seeds, Farm Seeds, Garden Implements, Fertilizers, Insecticides, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Rollers, etc. Also Plants of all kinds, including the choicest varieties of Roses, Dahlias, Hardy Perennials, etc., all of which are fully described in DREER’S GARDEN BOOK FOR 1917 Together with useful cultural notes for the amateur gardener Call or Write for a copy — FREE HENRY'jy)REER 714'16 OkcstnutSt..PliiladeIpliiei. —:THE:— Firsi National Bank OF AMBLER, PA. Capital $100,000. Surplus $100,000. J. Watson Craft E. H. Faust President Vice-President Win. A. Davis, Cashier Harry C. Lange Practical Horseslioer General Jobbing Jarrettown, Penna. William Rodemick DEALER IN Dry Goods, Notions, Groceries and General Merchandise JARRETTOWN, PA. A Stray Spark Caught and the Roof That spark destroyed more than the home—it has swept away things that neither money nor labor can restore— things that sentiment and love have rendered priceless. Some cold, bleak night you and your family may also be mournfully looking at a heap of ruins that a few minutes previous was your home, unless you protect yourself against the devastation of the stray spark; the one certain protection is to roof with Ambler Asbestos 4t Century ” Shingles. But don't do it until you've proved to yourself that they are fireproof—not partly, but absolutely. Send us your address and we will mail you a sample Ambler Asbestos “Century” Shingle and also tell you where you can most conveniently obtain them. Hold this sample shingle over a lamp. Hold it there as long as you like and it won't burn—it can't—it’s asbestos. Test the shingle for toughness. Try and bend it. You can’t. Just because you can't, it makes a roof that lasts — nobody knows how long, but at least as long as your house. Look at its beauty—its soft, artistic, unfading colorings. It comes in red, blue-black and gray. It doesn't need paint and it never will. KEASBEY MATTISON COMPANY, Dept. A, Ambler, Pa. AMBLER Offices and Warehouses in all Important Cities throughout the United States Asbestos Shingles A _ A_L1-. A _.1_ a_•• An Ambler Asbestos “Century Shingle roof can't wear out. doesn’t depreciate, doesn't leak, split nor warp. It stands up equally well in the coldest winter and the hottest summer. Its only expense is its first cost and that is low. quality and worth considered. Right now, write us for the sample shingle. H. J. DAGER, INC. SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE AND MORTGAGES FARMS A SPECIALTY AMBLER, PA. J. M. KIRK SANITARY PLUMBING GAS AND STEAM FITTING Pumping machinery of all kinds Windmills, Gas Engines, e?.c. OFFICE. 304 BUTLER AVENUE BOTH phones AMBLER, PA. Diamonds, Watches, Clocks, Silverware, Cut Glass, etc. —at— Lamphere’s Jewelry Store AMBLER, PA. THIS BOOKLET FROM THE PRESS OF F. W. RIESS, PRINTER 11 SOUTH MAIN ST. W. N. HEISS ---DEALER IN-- Dry Goods, Notions, Millinery, Men’s Furnishings 303-305 Butler Ave., AMBLER, PA. J. Watson Craft Amhler, Pa. Manufacturer of and Dealer in “Enterprise” Brand of Scratch 8 Mash Feed Dairy Feed constantly in stock. Complete Line of BUILDING MATERIAL LEHIGH COAL BULL PHONE AMBLER. PA. Pittsburg Electric Fence and other Fencing Materials WHOLESALE MEATS PROVISIONS , AND POULTRY' 402 8c 404 N. SECOND STREET. Bell Phone 42-A VICTOR MAYER LADIES' and MIEN’S TAILOR Steam Dyeing and Scouring Altering, Cleaning and Pressing. Repairing Neatly Done 421 Butler Avenue, Ambler, Pa. H. R. NIBLOCK RESTAURANT OYSTER HOUSE Oysters in all Styles Meals at all Hoars WB MANUFACTURE 1CB CRBAM 417 BatUr Avenue Both fhones AMBLER, PA. ALL THE TIME CONTENTS Editorial....................................... 2 Women as Fanners and Gardeners................. 3 Co-operation..................................... 4 Winter Gardens................................... 3 The Jam Kitchen.................................. 7 Harvest Time..................................... 9 Alumnae Notes................................... 1 1 Winter Work.................................... 12 Jokes ........................................... 1 3 An Acute Attack of Invention.................... 14 School Notes..................................... 13 Red Cross Notes.................................. 16 Just a Fragment, or Impressions.................. 17 Coming Events.................................... 18 4§6 d i%6 $ afc WISE - ACRES Vol. iv November, 1917. No. 15 Published Quarterly by the Students of the School of Horticulture for Women, Ambler, Pa. Entered at the Ambler Post Office as Second-Class Matter staff Editor-in-Chief, Beatrice George Associate Editor, Helen Belda Exchange Editor, Eleanor Gebhart Business Manager, Beatrice L. Williams Associate Business Manager, Elsie Schedin Advertising Editor, Ruth A. Gerhard Associate Advertising Editor, Marion Meredith Secretary, Ruth A. Gerhard One Dollar a Year Single Copy, Twenty-fire Cents EDITORIAL. “Here is the law of progress, which will explain all diversities, all advances, all halts, and retrogressions. Men tend to progress just as they come closer together, and by co-operation with each other increase the mental power that may be devoted to improvement, but just as conflict is provoked, or association develops inequality of condition and power, this tendency to progression is lessened, checked, and finally reversed ' So wrote a famous political economist tracing the tendency of civilization through the annals of history. We are discovering more and more how true this is, for through this national emergency we are being brought closer together to strengthen and support one another. Horticulture is a comparatively new profession for women—so new that each pioneer's success is of great importance. Our strength lies in our unity—the experience of one helping to guide the others. The greater part of our efforts as long as the war lasts will of necessity be in the production of food, but we will not neglect the aesthetic side, for that is just as important. In anxious times men and women need all the beauty with which they can surround themselves. Trees and flowers encourage and inspire one in a language of their own. These days are serious ones, making great demands on all. To meet these demands and to avoid any waste of energy, work has to be correlated—service has to fit into service—any minor differences being overlooked for the general good. These are times when all must be inspired by unselfish motives or else fall short of the thousands of examples of sacrifice and courage on every hand. We all have great opportunities before ns to prove our worth and must carry on our share of the burden. Service for service is the rule of life! 2 pimtim as farmers anb (Sarbetters It is a fact that women have been farmers just as long as farming has been a way of earning a living. Frequently this has been so by reason of birth or circumstance, for the peasant women toiling in the fields across the water, and the women of our own country who are farming because they have been left farms and nothing else with which to fight their economic battles. They are both submitting to the same master—necessity. It is not a new occupation which we have before us, but a new factor entering in—that of choice. The question then is in regard to the possibilities opening for the woman who chooses to enter some line of agricultural work, and we take for granted at the outset that she has a choice, not necessarily to earn her bread and butter living, but that she may do her share in the world’s work, for failure to choose may result in disappointment, restlessness, and even unhappiness. In entering any vocational field we need to inquire particularly into three things: First, does it appeal to my tastes? Secondly: Does it fit my capabilities? Thirdly: What are the business openings? Is the field already crowded? In considering the first of these questions there is the strictly personal element of taste to be taken into account, for, strange as it may seem to some people, the mere fact of being a woman does not invariably indicate an actual overpowering desire for indoor occupation. Very often, however, the attractions of any occupation are more or less visionary. After making inquiry and placing confidence in the testimony given, the answer to the question as to the advisability of women engaging in agricultural or horticultural work is without fail one that holds out encouragement to the new worker. The vocation is attractive because of the healthful conditions of the work. Many can testify to the efficiency of the out-of-door work to secure the blessings of abundant health. Secondly the question of ability in the work. The fact that agricultural interests are so varied makes it possible that they may fit the ability of any woman seeking agricultural or horticultural training. We hear of cases where women have actually performed every act of manual labor on the farm, but that is not an absolute requirement. Many men who possess little mechanical skill are successful manufacturers. But there is the necessity for having an intelligent understanding of the work done. The lack of physical strength must stimulate the use of the brain and, if ever the point is reached where physical strength is considered more of an asset than a trained mind, then no longer can we consider agriculture a worthy profession. Many men if they suddenly should become physically incapacitated and be obliged to sit at a desk, would become better farmers. 3 Then, there is the labor problem. It is a question whether the mere fact of being a woman adds to the difficulties of handling the labor situation. But we can only judge from the comments made by real women, and in nearly every case the report has been “no difficulty.” Personally, I have found that those whom I have employed have been very willing, agreeable, and eager to do anything I wished. A woman has the advantage in the marketing of products. She is to a large extent the ultimate buyer of the farmer's products and learns what makes a product attractive to the purchaser. It is by this method of attraction upon the market problem that she may gain great headway in her success. As for the business openings the possibilties are so numerous that it makes one feel that the vocational field is practically untouched. There are at least twenty different fields open and a steady demand for trained women in the work. In conclusion can we say that the profession for women is a failure? No, on the contrary, after hearing the testimony of real and active women, we do not hesitate to say that the appeal is strong. It offers wholesome living, many activities, opportunities for a combination of social service and chosen work in which to realize those blessings of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” P. B. CO-OPERATION. Co-operation has a strong, helpful message for the farmer, not only in the selling of his products but in the cost of producing them. This system of business was adopted many years ago by the people of England and was carried forward by them until it attained marvelous proportions and accomplished good, far beyond what was thought possible at the start. It is now returning to them each year millions of dollars in value in the shape of dividends on their purchases. Before the war England’s great Co-operative Wholesale Society bought over $7,500,000 worth of foodstaples yearly, from the United States. In this country of big production there is a-crying need for the organization of the farmers. A step forward in the right direction was made by the State of New York in 1913 in passing one of the best co-operative association laws in the United States. Indeed it is true that the farmer will not receive what he so fully deserves—a fairer return for the food he produces—until he forms his own co-operative association, with selling agencies in all the large cities and towns.— From an article by Mr. Isaac Roberts. 4 plmter dmrherts November has come again, and we who cherish our flowers and the great wide world in its summer verdure and joyousness are saddened—a feeling of keen regret surges within us as we note the rapidly increasing signs of the approach of winter, and it is with reluctance that we face the long months before the world returns to its greenness. But, gradually, there steals upon us, as we finish up our work in our silent gardens, a realization of new beauties hitherto unnoticed as we sight berry and bark and twig, and we suddenly awaken to the wonders of the winter world. And we realize a long neglected opportunity—for we have planned our gardens and our shrubbery for their summer blooms and lived with bare gaunt and sombre branches for the weary rest of the year. It is time that we realized our mistake and began to cultivate winter gardens, for it is a field of unlimited possibilities. First, let us consider shrubs that offer brilliant and showy berries. Many of these we know already—the low-growing Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii) and the taller varieties (Berberis vulgaris and canadensis), which become enormous bushes, literally showered with their clusters of red berries. The Snowberry (Symphoricarpus race-mosus), with its graceful branches hanging heavy with large white berries that might have been made from wax. Its cousin, the Coral Berry (Symphoricarpus vulgaris), is less showy, for its berries are smaller and of a dull red hue. For sheer brilliancy, nothing excels the Fire Thorn (Crataegus pyracanthus Lelandi). It is well named, for its many clusters of flame-colored berries make it a burning mass. For blending of color tones, the European Spindle Tree (Euonymous eu-ropaeus) is excellent—the sagegreen twigs and the soft-rose fruits make a color picture that delights the eye. We have scarcely drawn upon our material, for there are still the red berries of the Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulis) of the Hollies (Ilex verticillata and laevigata) and of the Cotoneasters (C. rotundifolia and horizontalis) ; the black fruits of the White Kerria (Rhodotypus Kerrioides) ; the orange-colored berries of the climbing Bittenweets (Celastrus scandens and orbiculatus Thunbergii) that pop open at the approach of the cold into brilliant colored fantastic shapes; not forgetting the Bayberry (Myrica cerifera), whose little waxy gray berries, if not removed to be made into Bayberry candles, will hang on for two or three years. Then there is che group of shrubs that produce their flowers either so late in the fall or so early in the spring as to be deserving of the name, winter flowering shrubs. The Witch Hazels end and begin the year—the species,Hammamelis Virginiana, blooming in November and H. Japonica in February. Thoreau calls them “witches craft, with their irregular angular spray, and petals like fairies hair, and small ribbon streamers.” 5 The Alders (Alnus) and Hazels (Corylus) hang out their graceful pendant catkins early in spring when the leaf buds are still folded tight and the lovely soft Pussy Willows (Salix discolor) keep company with them. Then lastly are the little Daphnes (D. mezereum and D. Cneo-rum) producing their welcome blossoms in March. And so we come to the shrubs attractive for the brilliant hue of their barks. The Dogwoods hold sway here—some green, as the Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternafolia), some purplish, as the White Flowering Dogwood (C. florida) and some red as the Red Osier Dogwood (C. stolonifera), the Silky Cornel (C. amomum) and Bailey’s Dogwood (C. Baileyii). It is an unequaled sight of blazing glory—a mass of red-twigged dogwood lit up by the rays of the sun as though set on fire. The Roses, Kerria japonica, and Forsythia viridissima, too, all lend a charm in the coloring of their barks. In Sweet Gum (Liquid-amber styraciflua) and Winged Eonymous (Euonymous alatris) the interest is more in the peculiar corky formation of the bark characteristically different in each case. And so one finds the list long and the opportunity for choice ample. But, no matter what the selection, there is one essential for any ideal winter garden—a background of evergreens It needs the dark shadows of the conifers to enhance the beauty of each berry or flower or twig and to display each at its best. And for just an accent or two of light— the white bark of the birches or the silvery bark of the sycamore. Wilhelm Miller, a well-known writer on natural planting, predicts for our country a new era of supremacy in beautiful gardens—a supremacy not to be touched by either the time-honored maturity of the English garden or the formal perfection of the Italian—when we awaken to our native possibilities, and using our heritage of countless species of trees and shrubs of transcendant beauty in winter—a collection unparalleled by any other country—transform America into a mammoth all-year garden! Helen Belda. 6 Page 7 missing from original. Page 8 missing from original. partiest '©hue In the spring the farmers say that planting time is the busiest season. I agreed with them last May, when I took a flying trip from Ambler to plant my garden and fields, but I find harvest time an equally busy one. During the hot August days there was a lull in the farm work. The corn was “laid by1' and the garden no longer needed constant weeding. By the middle of the month there was no further fear of blight on the potatoes, so the sprayer was washed out and put away. Then was the time for “odd jobs.” My first work was to put the strawberry patch in order or, I should say, the weed patch, for so it looked when I arrived. Early in August, furrows were plowed through it and I spent several very long mornings weeding out the quack grass, sorrel, and dandelions. The dry weather did its best to discourage the old plants, but I was determined to save them just to see if it could be done. At last the rain came and a little sodium nitrate acted like magic. The plants have grown green and stocky and are now putting out blossoms as well as runners, although I'm sure my predecessor was too old-fashioned to plant an everbearing variety. Come to see me next June and you shall have strawberries and cream. My other “odd job” was turning a shell of a small building into a habitable chicken house. It had been a chicken house before, but not one fit for what my family scornfully call my “hand-fed chickens.” It was pleasant enough on those warm summer days to be working under the shade of a roof, even though I was wrestling with lumber that had warped while waiting outside for me to use it. In due time the floor was laid, roosts and nest boxes built, and, one evening in late August, the pullets arrived—twelve plump Rhode Island Reds. By that time, the garden was calling me to a strictly feminine task. As fast as the corn dried over the kitchen range, I refilled the racks, until my aunt dispaired of ever again having an uncluttered kitchen. Next came canned corn. Then one evening we discovered that wild grapes, that hung in great clusters over all the stone walls on the place, were beginning to turn blue and it was now or never, if we were to make grape jelly. Meanwhile the Damson plums, overhanging the chicken yard ripened, little cucumbers had to be picked every few days for pickles, and tomatoes began to accumulate in the cellar. While all this canning and pickling was going on, I made frequent visits to the potato field and half a dozen times announced that next week I should begin digging. But “next week” came and still the vines looked green and flourishing. All through the summer I had worried lest blight come and the plants die prematurely. Now that 9 I was anxious to begin to dig it seemed as if the vines never would die down. I especially wanted to get the early ones out, so as to plant the land with clover for the bees in my lone bee hive. But ripe potatoes were more important than the clover, so I waited. I suppose it was due to the late planting, but anyway it was September 20th before Ed Spect and I could fare forth to dig. “Eddie,” as the neighbors call him, is a great lumbering fellow, slow, but honest and reliable, old enough to be a man, but still a child in his father's home. I asked him to bring his spading fork with him, as I had only one. “I will if the old man will let me,” was all the assurance he could give me. However, next morning he arrived with his fork. We got the early potatoes all out by Saturday morning. At one o'clock “Uncle Sammie” appeared with his team to harrow the land and then came my chance to try broadcasting. I tried, but decided to let Spect do most of it. My attempts were feeble enough beside his steady stride and swing. Mr. Doan never gave a more vivid demonstration than “Eddie,” as, quite unconscious of me behind him, watching and imitating his every move, he strode down the field. At one step a handful taken from the bag, at the next a wide swing of the arm to broadcast the seed. It looks easy, but my broadcasting might better have been called “narrowcasting.” The seed is beginning to come up now and I can hardly wait to see the results. That Sunday the north wind blew steadily, thereby preventing heavy frost. So, Monday morning we “laid off” digging potatoes and began cutting corn. That was great fun. Spect cut the stalks and I stacked them. While he tied the shock, I went ahead, and, bending over the tops of two hills, twisted the stalks into a support for the next shock. All this, I am shamed to say, I had to learn from “Eddie.” But when I went into the house at noon I found the process all neatly described, with a diagram, in my last spring’s notes. So much for the value of practical work not given with the lectures on farm crops. But all this sounds very much like ordinary farm labor and not like horticulture. Never mind, other things are coming. No sooner was the potato crop sold and its producer through figuring debits and credits, with strenuous attempts to follow Miss Black’s system, than the whole farm was drawn out on paper with a rectangular space for the new strawberry field and signs for the apple trees and grape vines, that are all to go in next spring. I didn't mean to plant grapes, but when I saw the “Land of Canaan” into which I had stumbled, I couldn’t resist the idea of a real vineyard. Do you remember the picture in the Children's Bible of the spies bringing home the bunch of grapes, so big that it took four men to carry it? We haven't any bunches quite like that, but the arbor over our back door was so loaded that it reminded me of nothing else. This is an old Moore’s Diamond vine, and I am planning to take cuttings from it to plant next spring. Most of my vines will be Concord, but I want to try my hand at propagation, and the old Moore’s Diamond is surely worthy of it. 10 I am picking the Greenings now, and while I climb the high ladder and strive to reach the best apples which always grow highest, I dream of those future apple trees which are to grow on this field—low-headed, well-pruned, and, according to the orchard book, desirable for five reasons, not the least of which will be the ease of harvesting. Marion Hardy. ALUMNAE NOTES. Miss Emily Exley is giving a course of lectures on practical vegetable gardening on Tuesday afternoons at the Germantown Y. W. C. A. During the month of August, Miss Louise Carter substituted for Miss Angelo Newbold at the Griscom estate, and has now gone down to their Florida home to organize their poultry plant and supervise the vegetable garden. The Misses Cloud are retaining their position with Mrs. Hoffman and in addition are doing consulting work. Miss Jane Righter, after substituting for the Misses Cloud at Mrs. Hoffman’s during August, is planning and planting Mrs. McCreary’s estate at Ardmore, Pa. We anticipate great results! Miss Lucy Park Taylor substituted for the Misses Cloud at Mrs. Walbaum’s estate for the month of August. She is now a garden consultant. Three cheers! Miss Katherine Cohen is drafting in the landscape gardening department of the Moon’s Nursey, at Morrisville, Pa. She has fulfilled our fondest expectations. Hearty congratulations! Miss Amy Woodruff has charge of Mrs. Walbaum’s estate at Ithan, Pa., where she is doing splendid work. We all wish her great success! Miss Lois Goss is assisting Mrs. Davis, of Newtown, Pa., with her dairy farming and general farm management. She is our real farmer and is increasing the nation’s food supply. The best of luck! 11 pHrnier pfork The season of growth is over and all vegetation is about to pass into a dormant state. Also, we horticulturists are easing up in our activities, for the days are shorter and there is no crop in the field which needs our immediate attention. During the whole season from early spring to autumn, when the harvest comes in, we tillers of the soil must be on the spot to do every part of the work at the right moment or else we would lose. Our year begins with the early spring, when we work our soil as soon as accessible to give an early start to our crops. We sow, plant, cultivate, spray, harvest,and replant as nearly at the right time as possible to secure good returns. In the autumn our work is simplified ; everything sounds harvest and harmonizes with all the golden colors around us. The atmosphere at this time is invigorating and it is the time when new plans for the coming year arise before our mental eye. It is also an opportune time for plans, for there is a winter between this fall and the spring, a period of rest for all vegetation, a time of preparation for us. Everything that can be done preparatory to the spring work is a great help. There are some vegetables which can be sown in the fall and carried over the winter to give greens the following spring. Lettuce is sown at the end of August, planted out the middle of September, and covered lightly with straw over the winter. Spinach is sown in October. Rhubarb, perennials, bulbs, trees, and shrubs can be planted from the end of September until November, when the heavy frosts set in. Pruning trees, shrubs, and rose bushes, if not done before, can be done now until severer weather comes. Also the trees and shrubs can be sprayed in the dormant state for insects, mainly scale, and fungi. When the frost begins to harden up the soil, it is time to give a protection to strawberries, various vegetables, roses, bulbs, perennials, and sometimes to shrubs which are not quite winter hardy, by mulching or covering them with manure or leaves. There is a great advantage in plowing or digging one's land in the fall and leaving it exposed to the frost in the rough furrow, if the soil is heavy. This improves the physical condition, as the constant freezing and thawing break up the soil and allow the water to sink into the subsoil. Light soils can be fall plowed by surface cultivation to conserve the moisture and to check evaporation. Fall plowing exposes to the frost many insect enemies which hibernate in the earth. It also relieves the spring work and makes it possible to start crops earlier. If plowing is delayed until spring, it should be done as early as possible,but it is important that the land be not dug nor plowed while it is too wet or the croos will suffer from it later. The manure should not be spread until shortly before plowing because the mulch would retard the evaporation of the soil moisture. 12 When the winter is showing us its real face, our work is more confined to the greenhouses, unless the snow keeps us busy. There will be seeds to clean or dry, beans and peas to pod, which may be said in a few words, but requires days and hours of pleasant work. Tools and sashes for hotbeds can be mended, straw mats for covering the frames and willow and reed baskets, if short of work, can be made. It will require some time to make a definite plan for the next season’s garden or field planting. This will cover the selecting and ordering of seeds, plants, trees, and shrubs. Usually a timely order warrants prompt attention and will avoid delay in sowing and planting. Pruning, planting, and spraying can be resumed as soon as the weather becomes milder,— in the latter part of February and March. Having accomplished all this preparatory work, we can greet the spring cheerfully, and successfully aid Nature — the wonderful producer. p $ JOKES. When a student resembles a tree: Mr. Doan, addressing a sleepy class: “These trees are at first quite dense and then become gappy.” Mr. Doan, putting the bit into Swank’s mouth: “Do you ladies know what one can do if the horse will not open his mouth?” Bright Student: “Yes, Mr. Doan; put your foot in.” Why is Meehan’s packing shed like an undertaker’s room? Ask Ruth. An apt student: A young woman who came to Columbia to take her degree of Doctor of Philosophy married her professor in the middle of her second year. When she announced her engagement one of her friends said: “But, Edith, I thought you came up here to get your Ph.D.” “So I did,” replied Edith, “but I had no idea I would get him so soon.” Miss Gunnell in floriculture: “Some plants do not need as rich a soil as others.” Special student (hesitating) : “Well, now, how could one make rich soil — not rich?” 13 An (Antle (Attack of (Sttfrmtttm The following sketch of what a woman invented by simply using her eyes in obedience to her knowledge of a great need, is of interest to all women. Mrs. MacDonald, a northern New York woman, is the inventor of a new dye, and the story of how she looked for her “Acre of Diamonds” close to her own doorstep reads like an Arabian tale. Her own words are the best description of her search and success. “Edison and Burbank have made discovery an avocation, but I believe that we see what we are looking for and behind every inventive achievement there are distinct motives that accentuate the discovery— Chronic inventors possess a power of concentration that amounts to genius, and genius is acute observation and powerful concentration on a given subject. Instead of looking up at the moon over your right shoulder and wishing that you had a penny in your pocket to give you luck, look about you and hunt for something in the common things you see to help mankind. Anybody with an average amount of intuition and the power to adjust his mind on one particular field of vision, can indulge in acute attacks of invention. So, having decided to have such an attack, I adjusted my mental focus on the dye field, as at that time the need for good dyes was acute. I read newspapers, magazines and technical journals and searched my immediate surroundings for something that looked like dye. Along came a northern October windstorm that tore all the leaves from the trees; following it a continued rain saturating and glueing them to the cement walks; finally the sun dried them and gentle breezes lifted and whirled and scattered them into sheltered corners. But instead of ‘footprints on the sands of time they left leaf-prints of this dye of mine.” At sight of the dainty brown prints she saw possibilities, and gathering an armful, in twenty-four hours she had an array of tints of gold that would neither boil out, wash out, nor fade out. Under the instruction of a United States dye expert she acquired a knowledge of dyeing and textile chemistry, mastering the use of mordants, and six weeks later had finished a demonstration that had in it every shade ranging from a shimmering glistening gold to the darkest seal brown as well as grays and taupes. In this demonstration she used wool, silk, velvet, feathers, and paper. The solid extract was used as an ink and water color paint. The Patent Office examined the dye, tested it and allowed her claim without delay. Her exhibit was said to be a marvel of dainty, thorough, systematic, artistic, convincing portrayal of the magnificent possibilities of the new dye. Mrs. MacDonald adds that besides being cheap and plentiful, the material for the new dye is inexhaustible. The annual crop of leaves discarded by the oaks, maples, and others, is used without destruction of the trees, as would be the case with the use of an exhaustible product like bark, roots, or coal tar. There ought to be no trouble about adequate supplies as long as the forests last. There is no waste, as the residue can be used for fertilizer. So, from those who may indulge in an “acute attack of invention”, we may expect results equally wonderful. 14 C. G. P. j cfyonl Jfatea September 3, 1917.—The products of the jam kitchen won the Silver Cup at the Philadelphia County Fair at Byberry, Pa. September 11.—The opening of school. How splendid it was to be together again! A day of high hopes and new resolutions. September 22.—Mrs. Peeler gave the most wonderful fudge party, punctuated, by punch and cinnamon buns. We are glad to report no casualties. September 24.—A botanical trip to the Jersey .pine barrens with Dr. Steckbeck. We saw very remarkable plants in their natural surroundings and gathered many interesting specimens. It was a great treat. September 26.—Under Mr. Doan’s guidance, the entire student body attended the Trenton Fair, where there were splendid exhibits of fruits, vegetables, and canned products. There was an interesting display of farm machinery, the crowning glory being the demonstration of a tractor plowing. September 28-29.—At the Sporting Carnival at Bryn Mawr, given for the benefit of the Red Cross, we exhibited in the agricultural section, products of the garden, orchard, jam kitchen, poultry plant, and farm. A cardoon was a great novelty to many visitors, and ours caused many comments. In the class of “Most Artistic Display of General Farm and Garden Products,” we were awarded the first prize, a blue ribbon. The fair was most attractively arranged on the Polo Grounds at Bryn Mawr and offered many features of interest. The agricultural tent was the meeting place of the farmers and gardeners from along the Main Line, who took great pride in showing the largest and best grown vegetables. Most of the products were sold by auction on Saturday night for the benefit of the Red Cross. September 28.—Mr. Briggs, State Inspector of Orchards, visited the school and examined the peach trees for evidences of the “yellows,” a virulent bacterial disease about which little is known. The fruit class accompanied him and learned to distinguish the signs of the yellows, of which an infallible one is a small willow-like rosette leaf growth on the trunk. Only two of our trees were found to be infected and were cut down and burned. October 1.—The Seniors gave a most acceptable straw ride for the Juniors. Provided with candy, we piled into the hay in the farm wagon and rolled along the country roads with a big harvest moon to light our way. On our return we were refreshed with hot chocolate and cakes. 15 October 2.—Miss Lee went to Chicago to attend a three-day meeting of the Mid-West branch of the Women's National Farm and Garden Association, of which she is one of the vice-presidents. Much time was given in considering the lack of farm labor. The outcome was to send a telegram to the President, asking him to mobilize all unemployed men for such labor. A committee was formed to tabulate all women landscape architects in the country. The paper of the association is to be made a monthly instead of a quarterly. This organization is composed mostly of women who are actively engaged in agricultural work or who own farms, and serves as a medium through which its members can keep in touch with each other. October 5.—The students, transformed into a group of small well-behaved children, attended a birthday party for Miss Seemann, given by the faculty. October 12.—A month of birthdays. Mrs. Peeler’s and Miss Black’s were celebrated together at a poverty party. The costumes typified Poverty and the Bowery, and revealed startling personalities heretofore unrecognized in our friends. Birthday presents were given, and now all of us have two horticultural facts firmly intrenched in our minds—Carolina Popular and Early Black Beauty. October 23.—The bee class, with Miss Wright, introduced a new queen to one of the bee colonies. The hive was weak and no old queen in evidence, so we hope the new monarch will be graciously received and will produce a brood of industrious subjects by next spring. RED CROSS NOTES. On October 3, Mrs. Norton Downs gave us an address at chapel as to how we could best do “our bit” for the Red Cross. We are very much indebted to Mrs. Downs for the great assistance she has given us in helping to organize our auxiliary on a more systematic basis, and to Miss Ireland, who has been coming on Tuesday evenings to instruct us in the making of surgical dressings. Our progress so far has not been rapid, but we are hoping for “more speed” in the future. We meet every Tuesday evening at 7.45 o’clock. The class-room has taken on quite a professional appearance owing to the tables being covered with black oilcloth, and everybody now wearing white, with the new style blue cap. Realizing the great need for knitted articles, we have contributed fifteen dollars to the Ambler Branch Wool Fund, and we are now expending our energies in knitting the wool into sweaters and helmets. B. W. 16 Dust a fragment ax impressions You will have a really truly job during the vacation—teaching school gardening, as supervisor of a community garden, or maybe it will be a truck patch of your own. Long, hot days! But once in a while you may snatch a week-end holiday—I hope so. . . . And then the canoe will glide out of the shadows of the cove into the full moonlight and you will see that his eyes are gazing somewhere in your direction, intent with inspiration, and he will say, “Oh, what a wonderful experience you have had those two years at your school! You worked and studied right there with Nature herself —and you say you really followed the reaping machine through the fields of grain? . . . What a glorious thing!” “Yes,” you will answer softly—the soothing swish of the paddle through the water will prevent his hearing you—“Yes ’ but I got hay fever most terribly out in the fields.” “And you worked out in the beautiful sunshine and the breeze played”—but he won’t hear you reply: “Indeed I did, and that glorious sun chased the mercury up to 110 degrees right out where we were working, practically standing on our heads budding peach trees!” But love is blind and deaf, too, so he will continue: “And everyday you worked out among the flowers!” (Shades of the day: you scrubbed four-inch pots in the potting shed for two hours!) “And you breathed in the fragrance of sweet peas and roses!” The canoe has drifted into the shadows again, so he won’t see your smile. “All very well,” you will murmur, “but we had excellent practical work in soils and fertilizers, and I remember spending all one morning reducing the foliage of onions and leeks for planting out!” “It’s beautiful to think of!” His voice will sound rich and tender and very earnest—he will lean forward toward you. “You’re like a girl in a story—you're zvonderful!” “Man alive!”—and with anger in your voice you will say—“don’t be a j ackass! These are war times! It’s truck gardening—horse cultivation—raw phosphate rock—and besides------!!” Oh, it’s quite apt to happen, but when it does, don’t, for goodness-ness sake, forget to sneeze violently just at this point, or else in some other way break the spell and give the canoe a perilous jolt—and 17 then bring him further to his senses with a story about the fifteenth and last cook of the season and her impressions of the School of Horticulture! Why, of course, you remember it! I was writing in the sun parlor one Sunday morning when I heard the newly-arrived damsel from the Emerald Isle ring her friend up on the telephone and have the following conversation: “Yes, 'twas Froiday that I came, and they brought me out here in a taxi—'twas moils and moils. Fwhat? Sure, foive or six moiles at least! Tis a sort of an old faarm house—toombled down, and Katie, shure, and I wouldn't have yer see the kitchen I’m in—'tis nothing but bards and rafters! Fwhat? Yes, 'tis a School—of— Hoirticulture—you know, for gardening. And ivery way you turn you do be seein’ vigitibles—vigitibles aal around! And there’s no min about the place—nary a mon. 'Tis the students thimselves that does aal the wurrk—with the cows and pigs even and the vigitibles! And a foine bunch of gurrls they are! They’re big and boolky—and rich! Shure an’ there’s nary a bit of refinement in the wurrk they do. Do I fwhat? Sure an’ I am lonesome, but I’m thinkin' I’ll stay the month —it shouldn’t be killin’ me in that toime. I’d love to have you cum see me, Katie, but you’d niver get here—’tis a dreadful spot I’m in! Shure, an' 'twouldn’t be safe for you to cum!” Katharine Cohen. COMING EVENTS. October 31.—Hallowe'en party given by the Faculty. November 6.—Mrs. Gilbert will talk on “Civics. January 22.—School reopens instead of on January 15. This makes the usual school year of forty weeks. It is rumored that the school will be obliged to take an additional outside dormitory owing to increased registration. Note.—Our subscribers may purchase extra copies of this magazine for ten cents each. 18 BODDINGTONS SEEDS REES C. ROBERTS RELIABLE ALWAYS • - 1917 GARDEN GUIDE 1917 NOW READY. SEND FOR YOUR COPY Apothecary Artliitr SL Unfohitigtoti (£«. Jltir. 128 CHAMBEfS ST., NEW YORK. No. 1 Main St., AMBLER, PA. PATRONIZE THE “WISE-ACRES” ADVERTISERS CITY GARAGE L. D. MYERS Proprietor Agent for the Maxwell, Cole, Dodge and Olds-mobile Gars Upholsterer, Cabinet Maker and Finisher Furniture repaired and recovered or made to order, to fit any place in your home; made right, and we beat Philadelphia house? on prices. Let us show samples of carpets, linoleums, awnings and shades; estimates furnished. TAXI SERVICE Demonstrations on request Full Line of Accessories Cars to hire at all hours for all purposes at reasonable rates by hour or trip. Both Phones. A. LAPETINA 405 Butler Aye.. AMBLER, PA. Keystone Phone 34x Bell Phone 26 m School of Horticulture for Women AMBLER, PENNSYLVANIA. THOROUGH, practical and theoretical training given in all branches of Horticulture, including fruit, flowers and vegetables, under glass and in the open. Instruction given in marketing, packing, carpentry, garden designing, bee keeping, poultry. Regular course two years, diploma granted. Special courses can be arranged. The following products are offered for sale. GREENHOUSE- -Carnations, snapdragons ferns, begonias, primulas etc. NURSERY—A limited supply of rare, well grown Nursry Stock. PERENNIALS—Seedlings and clumps. POULTRY —Broilers, capons, roasting and stewing chickens. JAM KITCHEN—Jams, jellies, preserves, canned fruits. HONEY —Pure extracted honey.