Club Minutes: The Home Interest Society, 1877-1885

no doubt be much less trouble in simply discharging a rogue and letting him go to steal from someone else, as he always does, than in undertaking the exceedingly unpleasant task of sending him to jail; even if you do not consider the miles of riding to have him legally arrested; the loss of your own time; the pleasure of going from 2 to 14 times to Rockville attending court, and the violence to your own sympathies in the whole proceeding. There is equally little doubt, that a co-partner in theft would be more likely to pause in his roguery if he knew that his employer would certainly have him punished as he deserves. There being no more questions Camelia Stabler read a little story from the Sunday School Times. The chip basket has been so long missing that we fear some of the farmers have removed it for picking up potatoes, in those cases "We shall never see it more." W^m Moore & Beulah Thomas were continued as readers. Then adjourned to meet at Asa M. Stabler's, "Sunnyside" March 9^th 1878

Dr F. Thomas Sec. protem

86^th Meeting _ Sunnyside

The "Home Interest" met at the house of Frank Stabler March 9^th 1878 _ with 22 members and 12 guests present: much the largest gathering we have had for several months. Business was commenced at 5.30 o'c with A.E. Hartshome as foreman. After reading the minutes of the last meeting at this place, we were invited to inspect the site selected by our hostess for a new flower garden. The ladies unanimously and a few gentlemen approved of moving, and thought the location decided upon, a portion of the south end of the vegetable garden, a good one.

Question 1^st What trees must E.P. Thomas plant in front house? Maple _ Tulip Poplar & [?] also recommended.

2^nd Where can Hendan chickens be obtained? Brooklynville, Baltimore County.

3^rd| How soon to remove protective primrose bushes? When frost is out of the ground. Some thought it would be best to only partially uncover it as there may be weather later, severe enough to injure them. The past Winter having been so mild, the unrestricted roses will probably fare best. One member reported geraniums as living that had been in the ground since last Fall. _

4^th What to do with carnations that came out of the ground? Throw more earth round roots and pin the branches down. Hot water 20⁰ was recommended for removing insects from the plants. The inquirer used tobacco smoke very effectively, and with less labor than the [warm bath?] would have been.

5^th Is it too soon to uncover an asparagus bed? No _ the mulching keeps it cold and wet.

6^th How can I exterminate red ants? Try powdered borax _ turpentine, or a sponge filled with sugar and water

7^th Will stones from a volunteer peach tree, bring the same kind of fruit? Worth trying; but if if the volunteer tree was grown from the seed of budded fruit, its seed may not produce the same variety. The tree referred to was one in W^m S. Brooke's place, that ripened delicious fruit on the 22 of Oct.

8^th Is it too late to move roses? No _ Prune well.

9^th Should the same earth be used a second time in making hot beds? Yes _ as far as it will go. [Woods?] earth from under [?][] trees is excellent for hot beds.

10^th Is it too soon to take straw from Strawberry bed? Pull out the grass & leave straw on. Others thought the bed should be cultivated in Spring with [plow?] or [hoe?].

The question as to the proper time to commence reasonable gardening, was pretty thoroughly discussed; a majority deciding it was wisest to wait until the ground was warm & in good order; from 1^st to middle of April. There was however a strong feeling in favor of early planting among the house keepers, who would like some variety in their tables as soon as possible. The place of the family, was considered better worth considering, than the loss that might occasionally be experienced by seed having to be replanted. Early vegetables are luxuries, and wholesome luxuries, that every prosperous farmer can afford if he would only think so. One member reported earlier potatoes from seed planted in April, than from the same variety, sprouted in doors in Feb. _ while others had had the sprouted ones to mature several weeks before those planted in the ground in reasonable time.

12^th Is it customary for butter makers to make clabber to go in new milk? E.P.S. uses it in Summer, has not tried it in Winter. The Butter Factory & Sawdenn Co. [?] turns milk in Winter, and stir it in the new milk before it is strained.

13^th Has any one planted peach trees two years from the bed? Two have tried them, but they

were not satisfactory.

14^th Is there any advantage in planting double row of peas? Only in economy of sticks

15^th Why will Robt Stabler's cauliflower never head? Probably cause too much sunshine, as they require shade.

16^th When is the right time to put out beets in soil? 1^st April.

White wax beans are highly recommended for table use. H. B. Stabler brought some very fine salsify for seed, for distribution, and A. E. Hartshorne some beautiful flowers from her care. Our hostess had a box of very fine tomato plants in the front hall. A remedy for chicken cholera, that had been successfully used by Mrs E. J. Hall was given by P. R. Stabler. Beulah S. Thomas had a good article entitled "Buttoned Pockets" _ and one very small but excellent chip made its appearance. Sue S Thomas, Anna S. Moore and W. H. Banks were Appointed to read at P. [T.?] Stablers April 6^th 1878 _ Then adjourned.

87^th Meeting

The "Home Interest" met at the house of P. T. Stabler April 6^th 1878, and our Secretary being unavoidably absent, Pattie R. Stabler filled the place at the request of Sec. Several of our members were absent