The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-08-07
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1 later. While this plant may be cooked like any other cabbage, its greatest merit lies in it's splendid qualities as a raw salad.
 Q. have a nice bed O. Alternan- thera, greatly admired. Cnn these be kept over to another year and how? Mrs. J. P.
 A. They are just as easy to keep over and in the same way as geran- iums or tender hydrangeas They wont grow during winter, but seem to remain naturally dormant. Be- fore cold weather. as many plants as needed may be taken up and stored in pit, cellar or house. The best way, however, is to root cuttings now or in September, and winter these young plants over, as then you , can have large plants to set out in early spring. You can, of course, make cuttings from old plants in spring. It is the young plants that make the prettiest effect.
 Q. Is the mignonette that flowers in the winter any different from that in our spring gardens? Miss c.
 A. No, the way to have mignon- cite bloom In winter Is to SOW the seed in August and keep them pinched back in order to grow atccky. They should be potted up before cold weather, removed to the house. and properly taken care of. as you would geranimus or begonias. Watch plants closely for worms that often attack the foliage.
 O. What is the proper time to root geraniums for winter house plants? !? Mrs. H., Gadsden, Ala.
 A. This can be done any time In August or September. In making such cuttings, don't cut them too long. as many do. Short cuttings root best. Remove all foliage ex- cept the small terminal leaves. Pack sand firmly in box where rooted. Too loose a condition around cuttings cause failure.
 0. Can you take the double violets growing in the yard and make them bloom in the house during winter :? Mrs. M. H.
 A You can bloom. them in latter part of winter and much earlier than outdoor plants. Plants should be taken up carefully with consider able dirt and transplanted in pots or boxes containing old leaves and leaf mold from the woods. Don't use any manure Careful attention will pay.
 0. When do you plant the double hollyhock to flower next spring Mrs. E., Woodlawn.
 A. The early part of September is a good time. The danger from too early planting is rust or some fungi that is so destructive to hollyhocks. Mulched plants may remain outdoors all winter. Some may be potted, cul- I tivated in the house, and these when transplanted in early spring bloom sooner than those left outdoors. Q. Tot settle dispute about how long trees live, tell us through The Age Herald what the authentic rec ords are? H. w, Ta1ladega, Ala. A. Many scientists have investi- gated this problem throughout the world and agree that many trees are over 5000 years old and some even have attained the ripe old age ot 5000 years. The cypress seems to 1 lead, and Mexico furnishes the old est specimens. some of which are 12s I feet in circumference.
 Q. How do you make. a phosphor- 1 ous paste to kill rats and mice? J S., Sulligent. Ala.
 A. Phosphorus Is entirely too dan | gerous and inflammable for the am ateur to be compromising. There are | prepared remedies on the market l containing this chemical, sold in thu | form of a paste.