Oxford Democrat., 1917-05-08
Our Local Food Supply.

The following quotations are taket
from the recent proclamation OF Presi
dent Wilson concerning the food PROB
lem:-
1.-THE supreme need Of our nation and
OF the nations with which We are coop
Grating 10 IN abundance Of supplies, and
especially Of foodstuf{s.
"The worlds food reserves are low.
Not only during the present emergency.
but for some time after peace shall
come, both our own people and large
proportion Of the people of Europe must
rely upon the harvests in America.
"Upon the farmers of this country,
therefore, in large measure, rest the fate
of the war and the fate of the nations.
1t is Of the greatest imperative i'm
portance that everything possible be
done, and done Immediately, to make
sure of large harvssts.
"Let me suggest also that everyone
who creates or cultivates q garden helps
and helps greatly to solve the problem
OF the feeding of the nations; and that
every housewife who practices strict
economy puts herself In the ranks oi
those who serve the nation"
The state OF Maine Committee Of Pub
lie Safety called for local committees to
arouse all people to the pressing neces.
stiles of the times. The following com.
mittee composed of Percival E. Hath
away, DR.. James G.. Littlefeld, William
B. Russell, DR.. Delbert NJ. Stewart and
j. Harry Stuart with Chester g. Miller
as chairman will have charge Of the agri-
cultural and home gardening work for
the territory within the corporate limits
of South Paris. The first meeting was
held at the Office of Alton G. Wheeler
May 8 and the next will be held at the
same place, Tuesday, May 8, at2P. N.
Mr.. Wheeler has very kindly given his
office and its facilities for the further.
ance of the work In hand The follow.
ing recommendation are herewith made
to the public:-
LAND. That every available piece of
garden land be devoted to garden crops.
That organizations or those who have
a surplus of land permit the same to be
farmed by these who do not possess
land and without cost.
SEED AND FERTILIZER. That q
collection be taken up from business
firms and individuals for the purchase OF
seed and fertilizer for those unable TO
afford the expense. All who need free
seed and fertilizer TO make immediate
application to Mr.. VIM. B. Russell.
LABOR. That employees be given
every opportunity by their employers to
plant and care for their garden.
That those gardening give much atten-
ton to wedding and cultivation 10 order
to assure a crop. This is vital to sue
cess.
That all school children help to care
for the gardens.
That those unable to harvest their
crops may feel certain help will be pro-
vided to do the work, Mr.. L. E. McIn-
tire of Waterford gives positive assur-
ance that Governor Milliken will take
measures to supply barvesters where ur-
gently needed.
VARIETIES. That in planting first
place should be given TO staples such az
potatoes, beans, corn, etc. That next
should be winter keeping vegetables, like
beets, onions, carrots, turnips, cabbage,
parsnips, squashes, etc., and that lastly
the perishsble vegetables like radishes,
lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.,
should be planted.
ASHES. That the public save it's wood
ashes and under cover, 80 as to supply
potash, one of the very essential ele-
ments necessary for plant growth. Wood
ashes should not be wasted upon the
public highways.
TRADERS. That the provision dealers
give first preference to home produce
80 as to encourage local gardening. i
CANNING. That all housekeepers put
up double or treble their usual amount
of canned fruits and vegetables.
That every school boy and girl take q
pledge to can at least two quarts OF fruit
or vegetables.
GARDENING INFORMATION. That
all farmers and others acquainted with
garden methods help and advise in every
way those who lack knowledge Of the
work, 80 just as few mistakes as possible
be made in raising the food supply. The
members of the committee hold them.
selves in readiness to assist to obtain and
disseminate information.
SUGGESTIONS. That all who have
helpful ideas concerning the work kindly
acquaint the members of the committee
with the same.
PUBLICITY. That schools and
churches and other organizations vel.
come addresses from time to time which
will assist in the food raising propa-
gsnda.
HOME GARDEN DAYS. That Fri.
day, June /, and Saturday, June Q, shall
be set aside for planting home gardens by
the school children residing within the
corporation. The 6, Z, 8 and 9th grades
of the brick school and the high school
to hold no sessions on Friday, June l, In
order that the scholars may begin gar
dening. On the following Monday the
scholars 90 released from school duties
on Friday shall make report to their
teachers of what they have accomplish.
ed.
TIME. That the public act immedi-
stely in the preparation of the soil and In
arranging for seed, fertilizer, tools, help.
etc., for within the next four weeks