The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-05-12

Since making the announcement that
1t was my desire to furnish every
child in the city with flower seeds,
and then teach them how to grow
the flowers. l have every day-some.
times many times day-had these
questions asked of me: Where do
you get the seeds. and who pays for
them?' How do you make any money
out of It," or do you expect to do
so next year by selling the children
seeds?" DO you ask anything of the
children in return Cor the seed?" Real
izing the fact that it is natural for the
public to ask just such practical ques-
tons, and to put at rest the minds
which are pondering over them, 1t is
but fair to them that I answer their
questions, and believe that the par
ents of those who have received seeds
Will cooperate with their children,
and bring about better results by fully
understanding the plan of work.
Answer to question No. l: Most of
the seeds l have grown right here In
Grand Forks township from seed fur
nished me by the governments botan-
list In charge of the introduction of
plants; the remainder were sent me
by well-known seeds-men for trial;
hence the seed costs me nothing in
dollars and cents.
Answer to question No. 2: No, am
not working for money. There are
many better things to work for.
Neither do l expect to sell seeds to
the children next year. But instead
l shall expect each child who has re-
ceived them this year. to bring me at
least ten more next year, and all shall
be provided for without charge.
Answer to question No. 8: Yes.
ask this,-that those receiving seed
meet me on the grounds where the
flowers are grown for the hospitals.
and learn how to plant the numerous
varieties, learn to know each plant
by name. how to cultivate it and care
for it that it may grow to its fullest
perfection.
The primary idea was simply to
grow flowers for the free use of the
hospitals. That idea have been car
rying out alone for some years, but
it seemed selfish to enjoy all the
pleasure it brought all alone. So.
! from that thought sprang the idea of
teaching the children to cultivate
flowers. It is simply the natural out
growth of an intense love of flowers.
and an equally intense love of chill
dren, and the desire to help every
child to develop its natural love OF
things beautiful. especially the beauti.
full things Of nature. and thereby de-
velop the purest. sweetest elements In
its own nature.
The idea of keeping children in close
touch with nature In order to best de-
velop character is one which has taken
hold of the people of England and
America very strongly the past few
years. Our general government is
work along that line of thought. AL
the large cities feel the need of just
REST Spots" and children's play
grounds.
Chicago, or rather Cook county, is
preparing to acquire 1000 actes Of
forest reserve a few miles north
and southwest of the city limits This
reserve is to be maintained in just its
natural condition as woodland park
that her people. and especially hel
children, may enjoy it to the fullest
The city of Grand Rapids has beer
lately blessed with such a gift as
think no other American city has evel
received-a veritable child's paradis.
"a children's playground, which is tt
be known as "The Fairgrounds" Tha
the purpose of these Fairgrounds r T.!
be fully understood. the American
Civic association has published tn,
deed by which title to the park o.
nlaverounds Is transferred to the cit!
OF Grand Rapids. AS an interesting