Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-06-28

QUESTIONS ANSWERED At TIE MEETING LAST NIaHr
-THR sPARRows AND THE RoBBrNs-rH. TINE 10
RKDATToNs OF INSECTS.
The Horticultural Society held its regular meet
ing last evening at German hall, 18th street, Mr..
John Saul presiding and Mr.. J. T. c. Clark secre-
tary pro TEN. Before the meeting was called to
order discussion was held regarding the English
sparrow, in which Mr.. Saul said he was not so
much In love with them as some, nor did he think
as little OF them as others. Mr.. Curtis related
that he saw sparrow attempt to drive OF robin,
SSs drove .o S1% % u. Clark SAID
the sparrow, for he had known them to pluck OF
the trees the young leaves and drop them appar-
belief was that they drove Oh all other birds Mr..
Curtis said that was the belief but the robin he
spoke OF had driven on one sparrow while holding
his worm and kept his ground.
After the meeting was called to order Mr.. Eu-
gene Cadmus and Mrs. Alkaline Boyce, Of Hyatts-
Vile, were elected membera
WHEN TO PLANT FLOWER SEED.
MI. Prince having asked what flower seed could
be sowed now, Mr.. Saul answered that double
zlnnias would do we'll He had not We. planted
his dallas, but would do so soon, and they would
thrive till frost Mr.. Clarke said that many seed
were wasted by planting them too early, while
the ground was chilly, and If they came up at all
the plants would be sickly and puny.
Mr.. Saul, in answer to question, said the sweet
pea should be planted very early or late much
as potatoes are. They should put them In in
March for an early crop. and about July LIST for the
late CROP
Mr.. Clarke said that the common mistake was to
sew seed too deep-sO deep that they could not
reach the surface. Mr. Saul remarked that many
seeds were sown in spring when If they were
put In the ground In the fall. they would in the
spring take an early start
Mr.. Curtis observed that natures law Is good
one TO follow. She drops her seed on the ground.
Mr.: T. w. Fowler spoke of magnificent
gloxinia, stating that two years ago he bought a
paper OF seed and raised IS plants with enough
seed to sow farm. He noted that an insect
attacked them and gave him some trouble.
THE INSECTS.
Mr.. Saul said that tobacco stems under the pots
would keep the insects away.
Mr.. Fowler said that Mr. Hewlett had Informed
him that by steaming tobacco stems In kettle
and letting the steam in among the plants the
evil could be remedied, but he was not sure but
the steam would 1nJure the orchids
what will prevent and remove slugS from rose
plants? 2" was asked.
MI Saul recommended solution of whale oil
soap, with which to syringe the plants.
would kill all insects.
Mr. Saul said he had heard of this plan but had
not tried it.
Mr. Fowler said he had and killed his plant.
Mr. Clark remarked that he kept caterpillars
down by using flour Of sulphur
MI FOWler said the sparrow would keep them
down. He did not believe In crying down the
"Nor l." said Nh. Saul
81 would like to see some good from them," said
Mr. Clark.
The exhibits Of flowers included specimens OF
double hollyhock and hydrangea (Thos. Hogy) by
Mr. Clark, beautiful gloxiana from Mr. Fowler
and orchids (StanhOpea tigriria and Stanhopea
Occulator) Japanese iris In great variety Japanese
ciematis Scarlet alternately, Veronicas, pelago-
NUNS, etc.; and they were distributed to the
ladies'