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H/7/1987-2

on the backs of others. The volunteer article closed with a
description of the tropical Sumatra Rufflesia. This is the
largest flower in the world measuring up to 3 feet across.
Its most outstanding feature is its short-lived bloom and
the strength of its fragrance which is that of rotting
flesh. This last quality draws flies to pollinate the flower
and perhaps discourages young men from plucking it for their
paramours.

Elizabeth Thornton read the century-old minutes which were
written at Whitehall on the 4th of July. Once again the
abundance and magnitude of their exhibits were staggering -
making us feel as if life as a plant in a rain forest or the
desert would be easier than horticultural competition with
our predecessors of 100 years ago.

The forethought for July advised that perennials should be
well mulched. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned and
in early July the tips of mums can be planted. It's a good
time to take cuttings from geraniums and other indoor
plants.

We we told to check iris for borers and to spray grapes and
remove mummified fruit. blueberry plants should be mulched
and acidified. All pit fruits should be checked for borers.

For vegetables: weed & water, weed & water.

Seeds should be planted for fall crops and as producing
plants become exhausted they should be pulled up and
replaced with seedlings.

The meterologist reported that June's high was 92 degrees
on the 15th (average high being 83.6) and the low for the
month was 50 degrees on the 11th (the average being 64). We
had 2.94 inches of rain from 9 showers. Peter Conlon also
reported the closest lightening strike he's ever
experienced. It was mentioned that Plyers Ridge receives
the most lightening in the area.

Exhibits:
From the Havilands: nice potatoes and cucumber plus a
gardenia.
From Jack Pine: a squash that needed identifying - no luck
but a guess - Turbanned Howard County Pepper Squash. Also
submitted was a butternut squash.
From the Earps: brouvallia, begonias, daylilies, salvia and
clematis.
From the Cedars: Carrots, Vidalia onions, and potatoes
(Irish Cobbler, REd Pontiac, and Kennebec).
From Quailhill came a selection of decrepit and nearly
pristeen Goatskin Gloves from the Greene Mountain Glove
Company.