Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-08-24

Tbs aouual meeting OF this association was
held at Woodlawn Mansion the 23d inst. The
day was ell that could be desired for an enjoy.
able picnic Until the cltse of the exercises of
| the club, when drenchiog rain commenced,
which was just what was needed for thirsty
vegetation. A large number was present from
the surrounding country, and some from Alex
aDdra and Washington. All appeared to en-.
| JOY themselves if We may judge from the smll.
log faces aud fully satisfied expression Of couu.
| tcpaaces.
| The secretary's table was graced by beauti-
| full bouquet Of fragrant flowers, presented by
| Mrs. Samuel Pullman.
After the usual preimiuariee Of tue club the
election of officers fer the ensuing year vas held,
which resulted 10 the re election of the present
ncnmben!s Z. Gillingbam, President; N. W.
Pierson, Secretary, and r. +. Roberts, Trea
| surer.
Dr. Howlapd gave descriptive report Of the
new enterprises 10 which many members of the
CLUB are interested-,he dislutegration of bones
by the action and force of steam He exhibited
specimen Of bone reduced that morning to a
soft powder, ready to be appropriated as plant
food without the aid of acid or other mixture:
The doctor expressed himself fully. satisfied
fortunately, however, the old steam boiler be
was using would not afford moro than 60 lbe.
OF steam TO the square inch, whereas the steam
guo 10 which the bones are placed required
about $50 lbs OF steam, and would bear 300
lbs. to The square inch. 10 order to reduce
bones probably it would be necessary to have
a larger boiler although he could get along for
! time with the present one. Further action
en- the subject was postponed Tor the present.
The Chairman Of the Committee On Exbibi-
tioo, H. 1. Roberts, read communication from
Sir. Beckham, President of the Corn Exchange
in Alexandra, giving official notice of the &C
j ton of the Board 10 granting the free use of
theirroom in which to hold our exhibition this
ialI A unanimous vote of thanks was given
to said Board for this generous offer.
The recommendation Of the Committee that
this room be accepted as the place 10 which to
hold our fair and exhibition wasadopted. The
time for holding said exhibition, was, after
long discussion, fixed for the 26th aud 9th of
September.
Announcement was made that members of
the Club who desire TO attend the American
Pathological Convention to be held 10 Baltimore,
| September 18th, 18th and 18th, should apply
| to the Secretary for certificates Of membership,
so as to entitle them to be admitted as dele
gates
The business of the Club being concluded,
the Secretary read bis sixth annual review, as
follows:-
Annual Revies of the HoodZawn Agricultural
Society by the Secretary.
Members Of the Woodlawn Club We have
met to day Oh the eleventh anniversary of this
Association to engage together 10 social man
ner, and to recount the savings and dongs OF
4 RI
to encourage and assist each other 10 the calling
in which We are engaged.
The thirteen meetings of The past year have
not been held without their effect upon US 80.
CT ally and materially. Soon after the last annual
meeting We listened to carefully prepared essay
90 the proper training of our children for the du
ties of life. The vital importance Of the subject
could rot be exhausted in single essay, there.
fore an additional Zine upon line, and precept
upon precept" was given.
The discussion on the subject, How wheat
grows. is perhaps fresh 10 the minds Of many,
as it disclosed to ug our want of observation in
uoticing the usual habits of plant growth; and,
it may be, led US to investigate more carefully
the wonderful, uniform operation of nature in
it, reproducing process ia vegetation.
The questions asked from time 10 tins
When is the best time TO SOW grass seed, aud
how much should be sown to the acre? Which
is the best place TO feed corn fodder, 10 the
stable, in the yard or in the open field? What
is remedy for purging and vomiting 10 swine?
How should damaged hair be applied as fer.
tilizer? Can wheat be raised after wheat sue
cessluy? These and many others were asked
and answers given, sometimes by one, some.
times by many, each receiving The benefit or
the experience Of all.
The ever fruitful subject of fertilizers, occu
plying as it should the special attention of mem
bers of this club, has induced one Of our pum
borsio investigate, with great thoroughness,
the best mode of dsiotegratiug bones for agri-
cultura! purposes, the result Of which is that q
stock company, composed of members Of this
club, has been formed to reduce bones by the
action and force Of steam, and to mako them
more available for plant food. ibis new pro.
cess has Just been put in successful operation in
our midst the credit Of which is due to our n.
deiatigsblo member, DR.. f. P. Rowland.
The principle Of home rule and direct control
Of the affairs Immediately concerning each
neigh borhood has been secured through the
iostruma0tal.ty of members Of this clue by
having tho safety aud security of our bridges |
placed directly under their CONTROL so that
promptIcss of action 10 cases Of emergency is |
secured, and delays aud Vexatious inconveni-
c0CCS lfUlUCU. ~ Z uaTC III dill LlueS duNUCdLCu
the making Of good roads as one Of the most
profitable investments that farmers could make, |
and have been willing to be taxed reasonable !
amount in order 10 accomplish that object, be-
licving that it would return to US fourfold 10 |
the facility lor getting our produce to market,
and consequently in the increased value Of Our
farms.
Sheep husbsrdry, another vital interest to
farmers, especially 10 this section, has been
urged from time 10 time, the profits of which !
have been shown to be greater, perhaps, than
any other branch of farm industry. notwith-
standing tho drawback experienced by some in
the destruction Of many valuable sheep by dogs |
Now, every dog has bis day. and every
owner CT harborer Of dog is required to pay
fec for having his dogs days prolonged, which |
fee shall help pay for the damages done By the
worthless ours. Ii dogs, by this law, are taught |
to behave themselves and feed upon something
besides fresh mutton, and the fees thereby &C |
cunulate, then the cause of education, that re. |
deenng work for the South, will receive mate
rial aid and support.