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H/9/1987-1-

September 1, 1987

The Society met at Iris for its 6th meeting of the year.
The day had been imbued with the virtues of a perfect late
summer day. The evening was lovely. Neatness,
productivity, and a sense of order prevailed as usual over
the grounds and interior of the Hanel residence. Those of
us fortunate enough to attend were just that. Missing from
the meeting were the Conlons, Ari Pruess, the Rogers, Mary
Seiler, and the Canbys. Also in absence were any guests,
much to one's surprise.

Jim Bullard began the meeting with an article listed under
technology from the August 28 Wall Street Journal titled
"Bug-Eating Nematodes Hold Promise as Natural Pesticide".
The report mentioned that scientists have long known that
apart from the preponderance of microscopic nematodes
harmful to plants there are a portion that instead attack
insect pests. A few companies have recently been able to
produce these strains economically and in abundance.

One company, Biosis from Palo Alto, uses a stinking broth of
enzymes and ground-up pig kidneys to grow the nematodes. It
then runs the mix through detergent in a Whirlpool washing
machine that kill all but the relevant juveniles. To ease
packaging and transportation the swill is then dehydrated so
all the farmer has to do before application is add water to
bring the little bug-eating buggers out of suspended
animation. The nematodes are said to afflict about 200
types of insects.

Beth Bullard in lieu of a volunteer article resurrected some
comments that yours truly had submitted to a meeting of the
Sandy Spring Neighbors. The short talk that I gave dealt
with raising sheep in suburbia; pros, cons, pitfalls, and
rewards. In retrospect it seems the best thing such an
endeavor is good for is weak wit and worse doggerel.
However, sheep manure is held by some to be excellent for
growing things and the whole ball of wax is character-
building. Above all, I am flattered to have such attention
paid to my efforts. It's fun to talk and have people
actually listen.

Elizabeth Thornton brought to our notice that our first
meeting of 1988 will mark the Society's 125th anniversary.
We were encouraged to spend the dormant season pondering
appropriate ways to herald such an auspicious occasion.

The minutes of March 26, 1888 were read. It was 36 degrees
at noon at Brooke Grove. Notable points are that paper bags
were used that even then to protect grape clusters, March
was said to be too early to prune raspberries, feed chickens
as much milk as they want, and to keep plantain from lawn
apply ashes throughout summer.