The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-04-05
CHERRY BLOOMS
To Be OUT IN
FEW DAYS
Times to Give Prizes for Best
Pictures Of Japanese Trees
in Bloom.

In few days the Japanese cherry
trees around the Tidal Basin and
East Potomac Park will be in bloom,
presenting the National CapdtafS
most exquisite and beautiful flower
ing spectacle, a scene OF splendor to
which thousands of visitors journey
each spring.
Already the dainty white buds are
peeping out family and by Sunday.
lie warm weather prevails In the
meantime, the first flowers will
have appeared, but not before Tues
day, the Government horticulturists
predict, will the famous masses of
blossoms cover the line of trees along
the picturesque drive.
Under normal climatic conditions
the trees remain in bloom about two
weeks, although severe cold or heavy
rains blight or destroy the flowers
within ten days, this having &C.
Cured. however, only few times.
Greatly increased interest in the
cherry trees is bound to result this
season from an arrangement made
by The Washington Times for a
Photographic contest for amateurs.
the cash prizes being for the best
pictures of the scene. Professional
photographers are barred from the
competition.
Prizes will be as follows: First,
500; second. SIS; third, SIS; fourth,
$40, and ten of SIS each.
Rules of Contest.
The contest, which is intended to
stimulate interest in amateur pho
Biography as well as produce the
best possible picture, will be without
cost and the least possible incon-
Venience to the contestants. In
judging the photographs, considera-
ton will be taken of the beauty of
the light and shade effects, clearness
of the picture, and the artistic COM
position of the subject, the intent be-
ing to make the award to the photo,
graph from which can be produced
the best picture.
Realizing that developing is Sec
Ond In importance only to the
actual taking of the photograph
and to assist the contestants, The
Times has arranged that develop
ing Of photographs i'm the contest
will be done free Of charge at the
establishments OF the M. A. Leese
Company, GA Ninth street north
west and 712 Eleventh street north
will be printed without cost. Elk
pert developers will be employed
to obtain the best results.
All that is necessary to enter the
contest is to take the photographs.
develop the negatives and print them
or have the negatives developed
at either of the two Leese estab
lishments and send the photograph
to the Picture Contest Editor, The
Washington Times.
Thousands Of shots" are taken
of the trees each year persons
coming from all sections of the
country to view the wonderful
scene and take back photographs
taken by themselves.
More Than 1000 Trees.
There are now more than 1000
of the Japa nese cherry trees in
the enVirons of Potomac Park, a
number of varieties having been
planted since the original consign.
ment about fourteen years ago
The first lot Of trees were given
to Mrs. Taft by the City of Tokyo
but the Department Of Agriculture
found that they were infected by
dangerous bore that threatened
other trees. and they were des
trOved.
Subsequently the mayor of Tokyo
sent a new lot in 1908 They have
since been the object of nationwide
admiration and the pride of the Ma
tional Capital. They receive almost
constant care from Government hor-
ticulturists.
It is said that similar trees in
Japan grow to a height of fifty to
sixty feet and virtually form cano
pies over the streets. 1t Is expected
that one day the Capital trees will
have an enormous spread, as growth
is noticed each year.
Lieut.. Col. Clarence o. Sheriff..
officer in charge Of public buildings
and grounds, Is enthusiastic over
the proposed photogra phic contest
to be conducted by The Washing
ton Times and believes that 1t win
arouse wide interest.