STRAT Greatest N aval Battle in the World's History. 150 Fighting Craft of all Kinds Engage in Death Strug- gle on North Sea Last Wednesday. Losses Tremendous. BRITISH LOSSES. Three battle cruisers, Queen Mary Indefatigable and Invincible. Three armored cruisers, Black Prince and Warrior. About a dozen destroyers. One submarine. Estimated tonnage, 135,000. Estimated value $65,000,000. Officers and men lost, 5,000 to 6,000. | GERMAN LOSSES. Two battleships, Westfalen and Pommern, Two battle cruisers, unarmed. { .. Four light cruisers, including the Wiesbanden, Elbing and Frauenlob. Six destroyers. One submarine. Estimated tonage, 65,000. Estimated value, $37,500,000. Officers and men lost, 3,000 to 4,000. STORY OF THE BIG FIGHT. Picking its way from its base in the Kiel canal the German high sea fleet on Wednesday afternoon of last week, emerged into the North Sea and off the coast of Jutland engaged a Brit- ish fleet throughout the afternoon and night, in what probably was the greatest naval battle in the world’s history, so far as tonnage engaged and tonnage destroyed was concerned. The official report of the big battle was given out by the British Ad- miralty on Saturday, and though it] differs in some minor essentials from the report from Berlin, more especial- ly in regard to the number and char- acter of the ships engaged, it is re- garded as a fairly correct account of the sea fight in which it is estimated that 150 fighting craft of all kinds were engaged. The Admiralty offi- cial’s statement is as follows: “We can only say that we were looking for a fight when our fleet went out. Stories that the fleet was decoyed by the Germans are sheerest nonsense. In a word, with an inferior fleet we engaged the entire German High Sea Fleet, interrrupted their plans, and drove them back into their harbors. “In carrying out the plan decided upon we sustained heavy losses, which we expected,” this official said, “but we also attained the expected result of forcing the enemy to abandon his plan and seek refuge after we had given battle in his own waters near his coast. “With the exception of two divis- ions, part of which only partly were engaged, the brunt of battle was borne by the battle cruiser fleet and with one exception our battle fleet is ready for ses service. I must admit that we had exceptionally hard luck with our battle cruisers, but the loss of these three great ships does not in any measure cripple our control of the Defence, sea. “The great battle had four phases. The first opened at 2.52 p. m., when our battle cruisers, at a range of six miles, joined action with German bat- tle cruisers. Shortly afterward the second phase began with the arrival on both sides of battleships, the Ger- mans arriving first. But before their grrival our three battle cruisers had been blown up, supposedly the result of gun-fire, although possibly they met their fate from torpedoes. “The third phase was the engage- ment of battleships, which never was more than partial. This phase includ- ed a running fight as the German dreadnoughts fled toward their bases. All the big ships fighting was over at 9.15 p. m. “Then came one of the most weird features of the battle, as German de- stroyers made attack after attack, like infantry following artillery prepara- tion, on our big ships. But these on- slaughts were singularly futile, not a single torpedo launched by them get- ting home. “With the morning these attacks ended and the scene of battle was swept by Jellicoe’s fleet. Not a single enemy vessel remained in sight. ‘ ‘ “Early in the engagement according to Admiral Beatty’s report, a German battle cruiser after being hotly engag- ed, blew up and broke in two. “Officers of the fleet also reported passing a closely engaged German bat- tle cruiser which was left behind while the British pursued the Germans. On their return this vessel was missing. ‘Judging from her previous plight, she must now be at the bottom of the sea. This accounts for two of the enemy’s battle cruisers, and we have their ad- mission that they have lost two bat- tleships. Zeppelins did not play the import- ant part attributed to them. Only one appeared. It remained in action a very brief time, retiring under heavy fire, evidently badly damaged. Weath- er conditions were such that it is doubtful whether any aircraft would be of much service. “The enemy sprang no surprises. We saw nothing of any 17-inch guns. No tricks were used which were not already known in naval warfare.” GERMAN VIEW OF THE BATTLE. The first naval battle on a grand scale during the present war has been attended by results which, according to the information received in Berlin, are highly satisfactory to the Ger- mans, not only in respect of the com- parative losses of the two fleets, but in the fact that the Germans main- tained the field after the battle. This is shown, German commentators as- sert, by the rescue of British sur- vivors. The full German High Sea fleet was engaged under personal command of Vice Admiral Scheer, the energetic German commander who succeeded Admiral Von Pohl. The British fleet is now estimated at approximately twice as strong in guns and ships as that under Admiral Scheer. The German torpedo boats and de- stroyers were more effective than the British accounting to a considerable extent for the successes of the Ger- mans against an superior force. German personnel and material alike stood the test brilliantly and the damage sustained by the German fleet is small in comparason with the British losses. The battlesk’p Pom mern, which was sunk; wg mn. ed by Captain Boelkc... ‘. ~~ ° Supplementing the o” the German Admiralty’. overwhelmingly 5 fbayr = wen 2 "he re Ba. y mont j seas News Agency, it 788 ier 2 competent authority thi." x ttle the Germans had in act High: Sea Fleet, with drea¢i. .. s and older battleships, battle cruisers and also light sea forces, inclut’¢ tcipe- do boat and submarine flofiffas.* The Germans faced the greater part of the modern British navy. =" *:1* “The German reconnoitering‘ fo ces were commanded by Rear Admiral Hipper. These forces first entered into combat with the enemy’s battle cruisers and light cruisers, at about 5 p. m. Later the main forces on both sides took part. During the day battle German torpedo: boats several times entered into action successfully, one of them three times. The fight kept on until nine o’clock in the even- ing. “During the night both sides made violent attacks with torpedo boats and cruisers, in which there were further- British losses. The leading German ship annihilated six modern British destroyers. All German reports emphasize the bravery shown by the British during the fight, which lasted almost without interruption, for twelve hours. AN EYE WITNESS DESCRIBES FIGHT. One of the eye witnesses of the great spectacle, Captain Hunt, of a Dannish steam trawler, described how the German ships in retreat roll- ed south, while the British vessels, guided by their searchlights, pursued them, belching fort a hail of shells. “There were seven big German war- ships in the part of the fleet that I saw,” said Captain Hunt. “It was about 10.45 o’clock on Wednesday night, and the ships were traveling at what I would estimate at nearly 30 miles per hour. The British vessels, in hot pursuit, were following about 200 yards in the rear. Their search lights were turned on the Germans and shells poured forth from every gun. Two ofthe German dread- noughts caught fire and we could see the smoke rolling up through their superstructure in the lurid glare. The flight and pursuit were continued at full speed as the ships disappeared from view.” TOTAL NAVAL LOSSES DURING WAR. In tonnage of ships and treasure lost, and possibly in the number of lives lost, when compared with the naval units sunk, the battle at the entrance of the Skagerak, off the coast of Denmark, will be regarded as the greatest sea battle of all time. Until this engagement the British genuine naval losses, excluding troops sunk on transports, had amounted in round numbers, including war craft of all sorts, to 300,000 tons, 7000 lives and $300,000,000 in naval property, and the Germans 260,000 tons, 4000 lives and $260,000,000 in naval prop- erty. While the entire loss to the Al- lies was represented by 375,000 tons, 8000 lives and $375,000,000 in naval property, and the Central Empire and Turkey, respectively, by 300,000 tons, 3500 lives and $300,000,000. To the British losses must now be added, exclusive of small craft, 104,- 700 tons and a possible maximum of 5865 lives, which represents the ton- nage and complement of the three battle cruisers and the three armored cruisers reported lost; and to the Ger- man 27,706 tons and 1293 lives, sup- posing again that the entire ships’ companies were lost as represented by one battleship and two protected cruisers, while the additional naval property destroyed is represented by $104,760,000 for the British and $27,- 760,000 for the Germans. Thus, with a certain reservation in regard to the number of lives and the small craft lost in the present battle, the relative losses of the oposing na- tions are: a Tons. Lives. Property. Grea Britain and allies... ......00.. 479,760 13,865 $479,766,000 Germany and allies....327,706 6,793 327,706,000 Cultivation of Camphor. Camphor which has become an ex- treme'y valuable article of commerce, has been produced almost wholly from Japan, which has had in previ- ous years a practical monopoly of this trade. The fact that camphor grows readily in warm climates has suggest- ed that there may be places in this country where it may be profitably cultivated, and a few years ago groves of camphor trees were set out in Florida. They have been success- ful beyond anticipation. The best known grove is one at Satsuma, and during the last year no less than ten thousand pounds of camphor were produced from this grove, only a few years old, and it is already evident that this crop is to be increased many times the present year. The success has been followed by the setting out of many other camphor trees, so that apparently before long this country will to a large extent produce the camphor it needs for its various com- mercial purposes. He Knew. Diana—Is the man your sister's going to marry rich? Dick—Not much! Every time mother talks about the wedding, fath- er says: “Poor man.” ——If you can’t pay for a thing don’t buy it. If you can’t get paid for it don’t sell it. So you will have calm days, drowsy nights and all the good business you have now, and none of the bad. —Ruskin. t +41 oir services; they could give the en- PREPAREDNESS AGAINST WAR. An Address Before the University Club of Buffalo, New York, December 4, 1915. - By President JOHN GRIER HIBBEN. My interest in the military prepar- edness of our country was not born of the present European war. My views on the subject first became definite and clear in May 1893, when through correspondence with General Wood I agreed to co-operate with him and a group of University presidents in the plan of a series of summer camps for the military training of university undergraduates. This idea has ap- pealed to me with great force for two reasons: First, because in the event® .of a grave national peril our universi- ,¥ students would be the first to offer srusiasm of faith and the loyal devo- i#ion of patriots, but without knowl- edge, skill or experience in the art of warfare. It is like a hideous night- mare to think that under the possible circumstances of a sudden surprise of an invading enemy these fine young men would be led to slaughter like cattle to the shambles. In the sec- ond place, the American youth of to- day need above all things to be given .an opportunity to forget themselves and their selfish interests and pur- suits in some form of disinterested service in which the spirit of unselfish and manly endeavor, richly latent in their natures, may find concrete ex- pression. Whatever views I may hold con- cerning military preparedness there- fore cannot be ascribed to any feeling of panic due to brooding over the un- speakable horrors of the present world tragedy whose daily progress we follow with anxious and depressed spirits. The war however has served to confirm my opinion of the necessity of a more adequate military prepared- ness. Why should we prepare ourselves against the indefinite and seemingly remote possibility of war? Because our history as a nation imperatively constrains us to heed those counsels and unprepared citizens is the height of folly. There are very few in our country, I believe, who would frankly confess that they think our present army should be disbanded and disarmed, and who would advocate a policy of complete nonresistance. The only one who can logically and with sincerity ask the question, “Who is our ene- my?” is he who thoroughly and fun- damentally believes that war for any cause is wrong and that it is better to surrender at once than to fight at all. There are only two logical posi- tions in this controversy, either no army and navy at all, or else an army and navy adequate for the task of successful self-defense in the event of a war forced upon us against our wish and will. PREPAREDNESS AND PEACE. It is further urged by those who would object to any program of pre- paredness that if we increase our mil- itary strength, we.as a nation will be tempted to use our power in a war of aggression and that our attitude to other nations of the earth will be one of arrogant superiority and irritating challenge. I feel very strongly that preparedness is not at all incompati- ble with love of peace and the hatred of war. If we as a people are trained in the essential principles of justice and our ideas of right are grounded in the conviction that there is one eth- ic for the individual as well as for the nation,the ability to defend ourselves will not lead to aggressive and inso- lent militarism. The spirit of militar- ism can never be due to the mere state of preparedness in itself, but is created by a warped mind and a heart of greed and unworthy ambition. Mili- tarism is not determined by chance or circumstance, but by the definite poli- cy of a state seeking world power and world domination. It is a sad com- mentary upon the spirit of our nation if we must refuse to possess ourselves of power for fear that in the posses- sion we may prostitute that power to unworthy and ignoble ends. If this is of wisdom which our past distinctly suggests. The wise man is one who others. Even the fool may avoid the true likewise that a generation proves its wisdom, when it recognizes the mistakes of a past generation and resolves to avoid them by all possible means at its disposal. wisdom from the folly of those who have gone before us. For lack of trained troops, thousands and thous- ands of our young American citizens have been cruelly sacrificed and war- fare needlessly prolonged in every conflict in which our country has been engaged. The failure to devise some national policy of adequate mil- itary prepardness has resulted throughout our history in making the maintenance of peace incalculably dif- ficult and the termination of war when it has come inexcusably and dis- astrously delayed. It is moreover always a mark of wisdom where one is reasonably prov- ident, whether it be an individual or a ual danger must be faced, the possibil- ity of future danger may be ignored. have done, by the subtle fallacy that a danger which is only possible is therefore not a real danger. There is a reality in the possible as well as the actual. A real danger does not have to be immediately and actually pres- ent. What is a real possibility from the point of view of hard common sense? It is a possibility which is similar to an actual event which has been observed in our own or another’s experience, and where the conditions of possible recurrence still remain. There is a real danger of our house being destroyed by fire; there is a real danger of every ship that leaves its port meeting disaster on the high seas. Hence our fire, marine and the various other forms of insurance cov- ering every contingency of life, which every sensible and prudent man im- mediately recognizes as a wise mode of protection against the perils and dangers which the unknown future holds. Military preparedness is a form of insurance; for when wisely conceived, and adequately realized, it will serve either to prevent war and its incalculable losses altogether, or at least greatly to shorten the dura- tion of war, so that the nation suffers the minimum rather than the maxi- mum of its horrors. Shall we be wise in protecting our property and guard- ing our business ventures, and re- main content with an absurdly com- placent policy of inaction as regards the security and integrity of our na- tional life itself? WHO IS OUR ENEMY? The many objections to a policy of rasonable preparedness seem to find concentrated expression in. the ques- tion, “But who is our enemy?” Against whom are we to prepare?” This question is wide of the mark. It is not only illogical, it is trivial and irrelevant.. There is no sophistry so disingenuous as that which is conceal- ed in the form of a question whose sole significance lies in the fact that it tends to dodge the point at issue. If this question is not put in the spir- it of sophistry, it can have only one possible meaning,—that he who asks the question is convinced that the na- tion should prepare to defend itself only when an enemy is clearly and definitely revealed as such. Let us follow this attitude to its logical con- clusion, for it is not sufficient fc us merely to feel regarding this impor- tant subject, but we should think al- so. Our minds must be quickened as well as our hearts. While following sentiment let us not turn our back up- on reason. If we are only called up- on to prepare against a definite and conspicuous enemy, then it would be too late to prepare at all. With the foe upon our borders there is no time for preparedness, only for the mobil- izing of our available forces as best we may. This question therefore means that it is time enough to meet the.enemy when he is recognized as such. And this would necessitate a complete dependence upon a volunta- ry army hastily collected and wholly lacking in any knowledge or experi- ence whatsoever of arms. To - meet is able to profit not merely by his own ! mistakes but also by the mistakes of : exact repetition of his own folly. And : Let us learn: nation. While every present and act- true of our country at large, then no individual in our land should be en- trusted with power in our business, professional, political or social life. The glory of power is revealed through restraint. I have sufficient confidence in the spirit of our nation, in our traditions of justice, in our moral integrity, in the sincerity of ‘our public pledges, in the freedom from the mania of imperial power and , territorial acquisition, so that I have ino fear that our nation will ever be ; betrayed by the false ambition of mil- ;itarism to wage an unjust and un- | righteous war in an unworthy cause. ! Why is it that there is this general | movement throughout our land de- i manding a wise and adequate policy | of military preparedness? Because i we loathe the very thought of war. | Because we have been stirred to the i lowest depths of our nature by the i cruel catastrophe which has befallen { the civilization of Europe, and have I experienced a feeling of unspeakable repulsion at the daily story of the in- calculable sacrifice of noble and use- ful lives, and of the pain, anguish and misery following in the train of this horrible war. We believe in the poli- icy of adequate preparedness, because Let us not deceive ourselves, as some | We hate war and do not propose to i have it forced upon us through our ! conspicuous weakness and widely rec- | ognized lack of military resources in :men and material. This. does not ‘mean that we are indifferent to the i sacred responsibility resting upon us both individually and as a nation to defend and maintain the cause of peace,—but we are determined that a false and sentimental idea of peace shall not leave us “naked to our ene- mies.” The true pacifist is one whose counsel makes for peace and there- fore I hold that he who urges a policy which will leave our nation shorn of her strength and a prey to any envi- ous and covetous people, has no right to call himself a pacifist,—a maker of peace. His way is the way of war,— war which if resisted, means disaster and death; if not resisted, means shame and servitude, the loss of liber- ty and the surrender of our birth- right. As I have said in another place and would here repeat with an emphasis intensified by growing con- viction, a true and wise preparedness is “preparedness against war and not for war.” SWITZERLAND'S EXAMPLE — AN INVISIBLE ARMY. This is not an impracticable theory, incapable of being realized in the actual experience of a nation. Switz- erland provs the possibility of a na- tion in arms challenging the world as the defenders of peace. It happened that I crossed the west- ern frontier of Switzerland on the first day of August, 1914, and was compelled to travel towards the east- ern frontier in the Engadine Valley during the time of mobilization of the troops. The invisible army of Switz- erland came into being within forty- eight hours. On the first day of Au- gust there was no evidence of any military organization in the country; then within four days, between 400,- 000 and 500,000 troops were on the borders; guides from the mountains, men from the shops and stores and fields, from all the industrial pursuits of the country, and they remain there to this day, defending their land from the incursions of any foreign foe. If Switzerland had not been prepared to fight for peace, that country would have met the same fate as Belgium or Poland. There is no country in Eu- rope that gives as little impression of military display as Switzerland, and no country better prepared to defend its borders against the devastation and disaster of war. For our own country it is possible for us to follow a similar policy. We too can have within our midst if we choose an invisible army, men having some training in military affairs and yet not withdrawn from their daily activities and pursuits. In this way our military strength may be conserv- ed at a minimum expense and a mini- mum industrial disturbance. If we are confident, and I think justly so, that in the event of war the young men of our country would be ready and eager to volunteer their services, why should we not issue a call to vol- disciplined and seasoned troops by unteer for the military training camps which the government has al- 1 hastily gathered forces of ignorant ready instituted with such marked success? Every thoughtful person is naturally opposed to military osten- | } | FARM NOTES. —It is a mistake to judge a dairy tation and display and the whole spir- | vation on the basis of protein, as it of insolent militarism. That which is essentially the American way of doing things is to have our military strength in potential form rather than actually existent in a large standing army. The problem for us to solve is how potential military power may be rendered capable of rapid transfor- mation into immediate available ener- gy. By the extension of the military training camps through our country, by an increased interest in the organi- zation of the state militia, by short- term enlistments in the regular army, so that there will be a minimum of men in actual service and a maxi- mum in the reserve corps,—by all of these efforts and others of a similar nature which may suggest them- selves, our line of progress is definite- ly determined for us, to create an in- visible army which will need only the country’s peril to summon into being. It is impossible for us to meet the present condition of affairs in our country and in the world by an easy- going policy of complacent optimism. It is very convenient to indulge in the Micawber-like feeling, that something is bound to turn up which will bring relief in the event: of any emergency. It is well to cherish always a hopeful spirit, but such a spirit dare not be regarded as a substitute in any way for the distinet appreciation of the possibilities of the future and a wise provision to meet them. THE SPIRIT OF THE NATION In addition to the military prepar- edness to meet a possible national peril there must be also a renewal of national spirit and a preparation both of heart and mind. It has been alleged that time and again during the war by many among the European peoples engaged in the conflict, that America cares only for the power of gold, that the policy of our people generally is solely that of individual profit, that our spirit is grossly ma- terialistic, and that the only argument that is conclusive in our minds is that which affects directly or indirect- ly our possessions. If this indictment is true to any degree whatsoever, it is cause for shame and humiliation. As we look into the future we must issue some form of an emancipation proclamation, if not in words at least in the high resolve that we will en- deavor to free ourselves from the tyr- anny of things that will be willing to sacrifice our possessions for the high- er purposes of our being both as in- dividuals and as a nation. This alone can give us freedom of spirit. It seems to me therefore that the appeal which comes at this time to our citi- zens, especially our young men, to volunteer their personal service in some form of military training, will withdraw their minds for a time at least from themselves and from the things which hold their spirits in bondage, and centre them upon the needs of their country. If it is neces- sary to sacrifice time and ease and comfort, all the better. To be con- scious of the necessity 6 of sacrifice, however slight, restores the soul. Finally, there must be a prepared- ness for all that the future holds in store for us by a demand throughout our country for an undivided loyalty on the part of the entire body of our citizens, and an unconditioned and un- reserved acknowledgement that America is their one and only Father- land. Public sentiment must run so strong and so high as to make it im- possible for anyone who has taken the oath of citizenship to divide his alle- giance between the claims of this country upon which he turned his back in long years past in order to seek a home in this new land beyond the sea. NO PLACE AND NO QUARTER FOR TRAITORS. Let us not shrink from calling things by their right names, and therefore let us brand as traitor who- ever lives in our midst, enjoying the protection and prosperity of our country, and yet dares to express by word or deed the spirit of hyphenated loyalty. There are welcome and room within our borders for all sorts and conditions of men, but no place and no quarter for traitors. The time has ¢ome for the renewing of our vows, for the quickening of our sense of national responsibility, and the reciprocity of obligations, not merely demanding our rights, but rec- ognizing our duties as citizens. The time has come also for the grateful appreciation of the debt we owe to the past, a debt which we - can discharge solely by safeguarding our heritage and transmitting it unimpaired to coming generations. Currant Worms. These well-known insects hardly re- quire description, as they are almost sure to appear wherever currants are planted. Because of their large num- bers and their voracious appetites they often defoliate plants before they are observed. It is necessary to watch for the first appearance of these pests. Hellebore, either in the powdered form or dis- solved in water at the rate of one ounce to two gallons, is recommended by The Pennsylvania State College School of Agriculture and Experiment Station. This treatment should be re- peated as worms continue to hatch. On a large commercial scale, arsenate of lead is often used successfully by applying just before worms usually appear. Special care should be taken to apply the arsenate to the lower branches. ; Daring Bathing Suits. Bathing suits of a character that would put puritanical persons on the run are to be the mode this year. A lot of the advance styles are now be- ing displayed in some of the show windows. Some of them are so dar- ing that the good, old-fashioned bur- lesque director would think things over for at least 15 minutes before he would permit any of his beauties to appear in them on the stage. But with the receding skirt and the in- coming hosiery now in full blast, young women have pronounced them fetching, and are in training for the sea-shore season. - ——Put your ad. in the WATCHMAN. ! i some feeds with less protein mixed with some other ingredients make a more satisfactory feed. Alfalfa has no more food value than clover, but it has the advantage of being a soil renovator, besides furnishing from three to five crons a season. —Dr. Carl W. Gray, of Pennsylva- nia State College of Agriculture, says the war will clean up the horse market of the world to such an ex- tent that thousands of dollars must { come to those who can supply the de- mand. If the farmers would only re- alize what it would mean to them fi- nancially, they would all keep mares instead of geldings to do their work. —The farm loses its fascination where there is some floral display. Be- sides, aside from its beauty and at- tractiveness, quite frequently the raising of flowers has become a prof- itable side line. In South Jersey thousands of acres are devoted to growing dahlias, gladiolus, pansies, roses, etc., the bulk of which are ship- ped to Philadelphia, which is one of the most extensive flower markets in this country. The dahlia is an exceedingly beau- tiful genus, comprising an almost endless number of varieties, all more or less showy in the flower garden in autumn, when most other flowers have faded. They are all of easy cul- tivation, and grow freely in almost any soil. Planting is done mostly by tubers in the spring. Gladiolus are also raised extensive- ly. This is a magnificent plant, with sword-like leaves, and long spikes of flowers, of every conceivable color and shade. The plant and flower are from a bulb, which repuires two or three years to produce from seed of sufficient size to flower well. —Cows are being asked today to produce at the pail. They may or they may not have the color that denotes perfection. They may or they may not have a large escutcheon or mirror, but they must be able to produce profitably. At the same time that this is true it might be said, if the cows could speak that they are requiring of the owner a proper consideration at the feed box. It is a rule that works both ways—that is, if the profits are what they may be. An Ohio county, through its county agent, is pointing to this factin a complicated table of facts and figures which go to show that on the 49 farms in the county producing a labor in- come of nothing or less the sum re- ceived for every $100 feed consumed was $86. On the six best farms in the county for each $100 fed there was a return of $88. These facts are interesting in the light of the corresponding figures af- fecting the feed that was purchased in each case. On the 49 farms, $9 worth of feed was purchased from the outside for each cow in the herds. On the six best farms each cow re- ceived $32 worth of purchased feed. The conclusion cannot be drawn that the buying of feed from outside sources is to be recommended and the growing of feed at home to be dis- couraged. It does say that purchas- ed concentrates added to home- grown feeds increases the earning power of the home crops. It pays to give the cows what they need. —Most summer flowering plants blossom on the points of branches, and, therefore to produce a continu- ance of flower, there must be a con- tinued healthy and vigorous growth. It is true that there are some flowers adapted to shade, like the fuchsias, daisies, ete., and these should be se- lected for such positions. Heliotropes and some of the geraniums do well Mare there is sun only a few hours a ay. Select an open exposure where the sun will have free access to the plants, dig the ground very deep and dress heavily with thoroughly-decom- posed manure, so that the roots may have some supporting resort when the surface moisture falls. A small circular or oval bed, 10 or 12 feet in diameter, properly prepar- ed and planted with flowers from pots will produce a continued mass of flowers ever: in the iest summers. In arranging the plants} there is much latitude for taste, and very striking combinations may be secured. Rose beds are much more beautiful and satisfactory when only a few well-known hardy and continued- blooming kinds are employed, than when planted indiscriminately, with robust and tall-growing sorts crowd- ing those of more delicate growth. In larger yards, where several beds can be made, there will be a better oppor- tunity for a display of this kind of cultivated taste. . It is a mistake to lay out flower beds in exact geometrical forms, un- less one has the means to adopt the . geometric style of landscape garden- ing This style has a bed in one part of the lawn, balanced by a similar bed in another corresponding part; has trees in straight and balanced rows, and walks with straight borders and acute, straight angles. It admits of few curves and no irregularities. It calls for an exactness of detail which is expensive, and to most persons dis- pleasing. This style of gardening is practic- ally out of date, te be superseded by the more free, graceful and informal natural style. It is better to scatter flower beds wherever a suitable place occurs for locating them. It is poor taste to plant directly in front of the house. : A straight walk from the front gate directly to the front door is not in good taste, and still less so if it is bordered with flowers or shrubs. Most individuals make the mistake of planting too many flower beds. e beauty of a clean lawn is enhancéd by a few tasty beds, while it is spoil- ed by too many. Make the beds wide. If they are narrow, or have long narrow points or appendages, the grass roots from each side will be sure to join feet un- ‘der the bed and choke out the flowers. A sharp cut sod is the neatest border for a flower bed. Stones, shells, Bricks, etc., do not make tasty bor- A ers. Yio
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers