19 Jan 15 1918

January 15, 1918.

The small number of members who were able to brave the inclement wather were most amply rewarded and cheered by Mr. William N. Craig's talk on "The home Garden in War Times". The spot of bright color made by a large spray of trailing nasturtiums with other flowers helped to dispel the outside gloom. After the reading of the records, the PResident referred to the sudden death of Mrs. May Alden Ward, and the Secretary was instructed to convey to Mr.Ward the Club's deep sense of its loss, not only of a valued instructor, but of a friend. After a few notices, Miss Balch presented to the Club a request for a protest against the action of the Park Department in cutting down trees along the parkway, but no action was taken. Miss Beaumont, Chairman of the Art Committee, then presented Mr. Craig, who in a delightfully informal manner offered most practical and helpful suggestions for the small home garden. Beginning with the vegetable garden, he included valuable hints as to the preparation of soil, times of planting, varieties best adapted, and the destruction of pests. But while Mr. Craig believes in the encouragement of the endeavor to provide food for the body by means of the home garden, he would by no means omit the "food for the soul" or flowers. He cited instances to show that while in both France and England, in the early stages of the

war, the florist's business was looked upon as one of the non-essentials, it had been proven that flowers were in greater demand than ever. Many interested questions were asked, to which Mr. Craig kindly responded. Mrs. Keltie made a plea for further assistance toward the knitting fund of the Special Aid Society, after which the meeting adjourned.

Margaret H Chadwell Recording Secretary.