New-York tribune., 1902-05-29
NATIONAL PLANT Clubs.
THOSE IN THE ELEVENTH SCHOOL DIS
TRICT BEGIN WORK.


Forty-two boys and girls. representing about half
Of the ten thousand pupils Of the Eleventh School
District met the West Side Settlement Of the
Young Womens Christian Association. No. i5o
West Forty -fourth-st yesterday afternoon 70 make
ready the plants which TO be distributed among
the children Of the schools Of the district
All the badge Of the National Plant. Flower
and Fruit Guild They the officers OF the
National Plant Clubs which have been started in
four grammar and two primary departments by
Mrs. Henry Parsons. chairman OF the potted plant
department OF the national society and member
Of the local school board.
Between three hundred and four hundred plants
were potted by the youngsters. They comprised
geraniums and verbenas, contributed by Miss
Hewitt. principal OF a school In Kingston, y. Y.
and nameless varieties. warranted to bear
pink, roselike blossoms and brilliant blue fow
ers. respectively. They given by Mrs. John
Wood Stewart. Of Glen Ridge. y. J.. city secre-
tary Of the National Plant. Flower and Fruit Guild.
The inclosure in the yard usually occupied by the
childrens sand pile had been cleared, and was
used yesterday for the work Of filing the pots and
tin cans provided for the plants The tin
most Of them Of the tomato variety afforded scope
for the boys ingenuity. and lad with pair
OF timers shears was kept busy notching. point
ing and scallopng the tops of the cans. while
another boy made perforatious in the bottoms. The
boys quickly caught the idea of furnishing the
bottoms Of the receptaces with pebbles. then fill
ing them with dirt inserting the plant and press
ing down the earth. As rule II took new ar
rival about two minutes 10 learn the role ana be
a Instructor the others about him After
the plants all potted they Were arranged in
a part Of the yard where the sun would not strike
them and were watered- Then. according TO agree
ment. the yard restored 10 its original order.
The girls yesterday occupied in preparing
tags for the children who are TO receive the plants
and in sorting seeds.
1t IS Mrs. Paraons's plan. il sufficient plants can
BE- obtained. to give D plant TO every school boy
and girl Of the district. with instructions that he
OF she keep account Of its career in ttle diaTy
In the fall. when the school opens: there Will be
a flower show when experiences will be exchanged
and prizes given for the best plants. A prize has
been offered for the best window box made and
cared by the competitor
The children Of the National Plant Clubs are 10
have a badge with the picture OF little pot OF
flowers in the centre and the name Of the guild
border. Clubs are to be established IL all
the schools Of the Eleventh District.
Thos who wish to contribute plants. either with
without the pots may send postal card 70
the National Plant. Fruit and Flower Guild, No, 70
Fifth-ave and they will receive labels TO place on
their boxes which will entitle them forward their
gifts free through the express companies DireC-
lions Will also be sent to the manner OF pack
ing the plants. etc. The pots sent should be four
inches in size and should be forwarded TO the West
Side Settlement. No $50 West Forty-fourth-st