Page 11

H/6/1988-1-

June 7th, Roslyn page 1

A warm day preceded our meeting at Roslyn, home of the
Hussmans. The trees, garden and grounds were well into the
principle of flourishing growth and the house radiated a
welcoming spirit of comfort and familiarity. Unfortunate to
be missing were the Bullards, the Chances, the Allens, and
Elizabeth Thornton. There were not guests per se but we
enjoyed the presence of Nell Johnsen, Helen Farquhar, and
Hannah Conlon.

After an abundant and delicious meal, Peter Conlon began the
meeting with an article about spiders from the Journal of
New York State's Department of Enviomental Conservation.
It was entitled "Spiders - Assasins with Silky Snares". The
article written by James H. Moerschel, told of his
fascination with spiders and his appreciation of their webspinning
capabilities.

The article said that there are about 30,000 species of
spiders in the world and about 650 species in the New
England area alone. Mr. Moerschel was more interested in
types of spiders that spin webs and make the most of their
silk. An interesting point is that the spider makes a new
web each day and it takes an average of 20 minutes. He
failed to mention that spiders like bats are diminutive and
efficient allies in the gardener's war to control insect
populations. A Dr. Bristowe of early 20th Century Britian
estimated that British spiders consume enough insects a year
to outweigh the entire British human population.

There was no volunteer article.

Due to Elizabeth Thornton's inexusable absence , John Hartge
read the minutes from 100 years ago. Appropriately enough
that meeting was at Riverside. The exhibits at that meeting
included a dizzying array of vegetables and withering number
of poultry and ducks. The enduring question emerged whether
or not the English Sparrow has any friends. Apparently the
president of the Society at that time had turned against the
species and such negative influence had left the poor bird
in widespread low regard. A contingent of Society members
arrived late due to their earlier attendance at a
neighboring wedding - it was not noted who was wed.

The forethought was simpler than usual because everything
should be growing, harvested, and replanted. A few specific
reminders included removing flowers from plants after full
bloom. Pinch and feed mums. Prune and feed primroses.
Pansies should be cut back in mid or late June for Fall
bloom.
Berries should be mulched and plan to rotate strawberries
after 3 years.