The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1899-07-06
Jessie N. Good in How to Grow Flowers,
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSO-
CATIONS.
Begun May 4tla.

There are yet few places In South
Park that are eyesores to the residents,
but this year strong effort is being made
to remove the worst of them.
Persons who have high board fences
which they will not, or feel they cannot,
remove, are requested to cover them with
vines, and nearly all do 80. This Is not
only beautiful, but most effectually shuts
out the bill poster, who would be severely
punished IL caught tearing them down.
There is not lamp-post or telephone
pole in South Park but that is wreathed
with vines. On miles of streets there are
no fences to be seen. In the older parts
Of the town many fences still remain, but
they are usually made of wire-netting and
used as place to hang vines upon and as
a means of addition al adornment. The
beauty Of some of these streets is entrac-
ing. One street is pronounced by Mr..
Comstock the most beautiful In the
world, size and cost of houses consider
ed.
One point dwelt upon by this associa-
tion In this flower work is that the best
and finest effects are to be obtained from
our hardy ANIMALS, such as Morning
Glories, Sweet Pease, Nasturtiums, Zin-
Mas, Chrysanthemums, Phlox, Petunias,
Ricinus, while in bedding plants, Cannas.
Caldiums, Geraniums, and such plants as
can be depended upon in our climate to
give good results.
The good work done by this associa-
ton is not confined to the lawns and
streets. 1t has crematory for garbage
and unique arrangement in which to
collect garbage. First in the yard is
sunk tile, such as Is used for sewers.
It Is eighteen inches in diameter and
twenty-eigh inches deep, the top of the
large end of the tile projects three inches
above the soil. The bucket to fit In this
tile is of galvanized iron. has lid and
strong bail for convenience In handling.
1t also has a CONCEAL bottom, which pre-
cludes it standing in any but it's proper
place.
Has it paid, you ask, this outlay, by
this firm Its answer is decided yes :"
in comfort, health, beauty and good citi-
zenship. 1t has enabled to get and keep
superior class of workmen. 1t has
raised the value of property. Now it Is,
the nearer the shops, the higher the rent.
It has set manufacturers and social eco-
nomists In this country and Europe to
studying and to copying. Yes, 1t has
paid. .-...-. a....@. ...t t..s.
There is an Improvement Association
in Dayton, Ohio, which has club Of
thirteen numbered girls and boys as g
special feature. These girls and boys
pledge Themselves among other things
not to run over lawns where fences have
been removed, not to cut off the corners
Of the lawn by tramping them down, and
to make themselves sort of body guard
to protect the flowers. They not only
use their influence to this good end among
their friends who are not members of the
club, but get after stubborn, unruly boys,
and keep them In order as only boys and
girls can. l am sorry to say 1t Is too often
bad children who keep people from taking
down ugly fences from along the street.
They will run over lawns and spoil them,
and too often, alas, break choice flowers
These flower leagues make it possible to
girdle the earth with blossoms.
/ (To be continued next weekly