Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-07-11
This and That
By Charles E; Traces0sH.

A bed of catnip for Jack Spratt has
been planned for this Summer, but
difficulty in securing the seed OF
Nepeta cataria prevented the planting.
So IT seemed that Jack would have
to 90 without his catnip. after all.
One might think, off-hand. IL would
be the easiest thing in the world TO
go down to a seed store and purchase
q few pounds of catmint seed.
Do not all cats like catnip, and do
not all friends of cats like their cats?
These propositions are self-evident;
yet the fact remains that we were
unable to find catnip seed in any
store in the National Capital.
Fancy! Cats pining for catnip.
and no seeds of Nepeta cataria to be,
had for love or money! Congress
ought to look into this, or send around
some of the free seed formerly
sprinkled freely over the United
States.
Being almost as persistent as a real
estate salesman or an insurance
agent, we besieged the seed houses OF
New York by letter, clamoring for cat
nip seed.
writing" the gentlemen replied, but
when we get some we will let YOU
know
Patiently we waited, pinning our
hopes on one firm in Philadelphia,
which promised to satisfy us in regard
to Nepeta cataria.
One day a package arrived. Eagerly
we opened it. Sorry we have no
catnip." said the letter. Are enclos-
ing you a packet OF smilax. Hope
that will do"
81
From the look In Jack Spratt's jade
eyes we saw that smilax would never,
never do as a substitute for catnip.
"Smilax?? he smiled. II want cat
nip, Mister"
This was weeks ago-and today
Jack Spratt Is fairly rolling In catnip.
On our desk, as we write, reposes
fragrant, too fragrant, sprig Of cat
mint, its small greeflish-white flowers
loudly proclaiming 1t.
Lest some reader become impatient.
and ask how we performed this
miracle. we hasten to declare that we
did not perform 1t at all.
One Of Jacks friends, and constant
reader, IL responsible for the catnip
horn Of plenty from which Jack will
enjoy genuine catnip all Winter long
She, while motoring through Vir-
gina, bplSu u DlB DcN Va lhS PsAnS
growing by the wayside. Instantly
"Catnip for Jack Spratt!" she pro-
claimed. "a
Great stalks of Nepeta cataria. four
to I'VE feet high, were pulled up by the
roots. All, what q treat was In store
for you, Jack Spratt!
Just before the storm descended
upon Washington. there came ring
at the door bell, and there stood
Jacks friend and her assistant. hold.
ing q tremendous bundle wrapped IN
newspaper.
The bundle somewhat resembled a
mummy--but the mystery was soon
solved as the lady cried, Some catnip
for Jack Spratt!" i,
lack. ewing his friends suspiciously
from q far corner, refused to manifest
any interest in the catntp.
IL the bearers of the catnip gift.
however. could have seen him during
the minutes immediately following
their departure. they would have been
repaid for all their thoughtfulness.
Jack gingerly smelled the blossoms
protrudlng from the package, then be
gan to shuttle around in the paper.
Nothing would do him than thar ne
proceed inside the wrapping.
Sticking out his striped right fore1
leg. Jack tore great pieces out of the
paper. and, in doing so, bruised some
of the catnip blossoms.
This released the strong odor.
Next Winter, however, Jack will get
the most pleasure out OF his catnip,
when 1t has been dried. as cats pre-
fer 1t in that state.