Evening Star Newspaper, February 20, 1926, Page 17

REAL ESTATE. BUILDING INCREASE SHONN N JANUARY Gain Qf 9 Per Cent Over Same Month Last Year Is Re- ported by Survey. A gain’of 9 per cent in build- ings was reported this January from 426 cities and towns comparable with January, 1923, According to its month- Iy 8 W. Straus Survey, 17 of ihe 47 States now reporting to the surve showed gains, Nineteen of the 235 leading cities had increases, some of them being very substantial. When the gain of 9 per cent Is compared with a loss of 3% per cent n the same places in January last ear, the promise of active building during the coming Spring in many Darts of the country is encouraging to all branches of the construction in- dustry. New Y Detroit, Phila- delphia, San Francisco and Seattle, with their suburban communities, gether with the boom places of the South. reported the greatest volume of permits for January. Chicago, ‘Washington. Boston and a few larger centers of population, which were very active last year, reported losses this January. These conditions tend to maxe the January report spotty and difficult of analysis with neither gains nor losses confined to any particular sectlon or group of States, except in the South, where twelve States re- ported the largest sectional gain in s which showed January galns were New York, New Jersey Ivania, Kansas, Michigan, Mis- souri, Montana, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wash- ington and Idaho. Gain In East. In the East 124 citfes had a gain. but only on account of New York City's gain of 16 per cent, all boroughs participating In 137 central cities, including C! 0, there was a los: in 86 Pacific ¢ rn cities there was a loss despit ~:Ins in San Francisco and Seattle. Los Angeles had a loss of more than $4.000.000. In 79 South- ern centers the gain was 69 per cent. The 423 comparable places reporting in January had a total of $271,346.116 compared to $248.448,899 in January last year. The 12 leading States, in volume of permits reported this January, were: Jan New York . California . Tilinois Florida Michigan Pennsylvani; Now J e Ohio ... Masaachiiseits, Washington .. Tennesses ... ooy WSO ADI January witnessed an unexpected eoleck in the upward movement of buflding material prices, due, in part, to the prevention of progress in con- struction by unfavorable weather con- ditions. Some local regions, namely, Kansas City and Dallas, showed defl- nite downward reactions. Structural steel shapes remained firm in all centers, but steel plates declined slightly at Pittsburgh and Birmingham. Portland cement was also firm, excepting at Dallas, where the price was slightly lower than last month. Lumber prices generally con- tinued to rise, especially Southern pine items. Price movements in the starting _materials markets were varfed. Gravel and crushed stone de- clined at Kansas City, but the price of the latter increased at Atlanta and Los Angeles. 8and prices rose in New York: Linseed oil declinéd at New York and Chicago. Due to the coal strike there has been a slump in the manufacture of brick in the New York area. This has resulted in an increase in price from $18.50 to $20.40 per thousand delivered or from $15.25 to $17.25 at the dock. On the whole, the January materials market was characterized by many conflicting local tendencies and an ab- sence of the marked strength noted in December. -— PLANS HOME LOAN BANKS Senator Copeland Introduces Bill Authorizing Federal Institution. To encourage home ownership and atimulate buying and building of homes, and to create a standard form of investment based on building asso- ciation mortgages, Senator Copeland, in a bill, Senate 2261, would provide for the establishment of Federal home loan banks. The measure was referred.to the committee on banking and currency. There is nothing lacking to make the city — even to service to these homes day. REALTORS 1516 K St N.W. _| tion inour knowledge of pruning the YOU'LL BE GLAD TO PAY $1,000 CASH ON ONE OF THESE these. home's among the most complete in heated garage, paved streets, Proxim- ity to 14th St. and Ga. Ave. car lines, etc. WE SIMPLY ASK YOU TO SEE THEM BEFORE YOUFINALLY BUY Open Daily afid Sunday By calling Fr. 5678 you may secure free auto DOUGLASS PHILLIPS Gardening PR G FRUIT TREES Ten years have wrought a revolu- young fruit tree. No longer is the paraphrased adage “Spare the prun- ing knife and spoil the tree” in order. Studies checked by the results of ac- tusl practice, have shown beyond doubt that severe pruning is detri- mental to the young fruit tree, work- ing injury not only in delaying the beginning of fruiting but also by | kreatly reducing the size and vigor of | the tree itself. | Pruning, to be successful, should | follow @ definite plan. One should | have a picture in his mind of the ma. Lture tree, with its well-distributed | branches ‘capable of bearing heavy | crops of fruft. It is always better to | shape the tree according to its natural | habits of growth. erect, as with the Yellow Transparent apple or wide- spreading with the Rhode Island | Greening apple, for many a tree will follow the inherent plan of nature despite any controlling measures. There is an undoubted advantage in @ with thrifty l-year-old trees, cven though these are usually only straight whips, without side branches, Usinzg such trees, the lower set of Umbs can be determined by selecting three buds at the desired height from the ground and distributer as equal- ly as possible arcund the trunk. These buds should, however, be lo- cated at slightly different heights from the ground so as to avoid wi Junctions or erotches. Many a splen- did tree in full vigor has broken down under the weight of fruit or ice sim- 'ply because of a poor selection of these primary limbs. The buds below and immediately above the chosen three chould then be rubbed off. The | buds higher upon on the main stem should be left to develop leaves and future limbs. Thereafter, until fruit- ing age, the less pruning given the young tree the better. Conflicting and crossing twigs should be removed but all the short hranches arising within the tree should be left untouched, as these are the first to develop frulting wood and blossoms. The tendency for the 1imbs of young trees to grow erect | need not concern the grower as this | condition will in most varleties be remedied naturally in later years by the weight of the fruft. ) With the beginning of fruiting, the pruning problem is changed. No longer is it necessary to withhold the knife and the saw, for, without prun ing, the tree soon becomes overloaded with weak, spent growths incapable |of vielding high-grade fruits. And, since only a small percentage of the total blossoms are needed for a full sized crop, the judicious removal of old and thinned twigs will not only strengthen those left, but also aid in introducing light into the heart of the tree. In this manner the tendency of unpruned trees to produce their fruit In the top of the tree will be over- come and finer fruit will occur throughout the entire tree. During recent years much informa- tion has been presented on the direct relationship between growth and fruiting. Too little or too much vege- tative growth in a mature tree means unfruitfulness. In the bearing tree the trouble is usually due to too little growth and hence regular annual pruning during the Winter season will do much to encourage new growth, and, incidentally, by encouraging this growth, will tend to offset the habit of bearing in odd years, a condition which is peculiarly exasperating to the owner of one or two fruit trees. Annual pruning and the judicious thinning of young fruit should go hand in hand with the other opera- tions which keep the tree in a flour- ishing condition. The sofl should be rendered fertile by tillage and cover- crops or fertilizers while sprays or | dusts should be applied regularly to keep insects and diseases in restraint. Yearly care along these lines is neces- sary if the owner of fruit trees would expect good crops of cholce fruit. TAKOMA HORTICULTURAL CLUB. Note: Bulletins on the pruning of fruit trees, giving the special meth- ods to be followed for the different fruits are available from nearby ex- periment stations and will be sent on applications. | TIMELY HINTS I Again there goes out the warning about the pruning of fruit trees and grape-vines. After pruning comes grafting or the topworking of fruit in Washington AND ITS ENVIRONS | CHESTER J. HUNN, Garden Editor, The Star. THE EVENING adavnce enables one to have all sup- plies on hand before they are needed. When Spring does open up, it will come with a rush and there is little time to walt for an order or even to visit the stores. Some foresighted gardeners are making little seed boxes, called “flats.” They are easily made from wooden box material from the grocery stores. The small boxes which hold two dozen cans will make three flats. One ‘will be without a bottom but this can be supplied by the odds and ends of boards in the cellar. When flats are made, they average about 24 inch- es long and 3 inches deep and 12 inch- es wide or narrower If they are to fit on the window ledge. A few small holes are bored in the bottom of the wooden flats for the drainage of surplus water. Flats are used for the raising of vegetables and flowers from seed, either in a sunny window in the house or else in the cold frame outdoors. We are enjoving the seed and plant catalogues which are coming in, in re- sponse to postals addressed to firms who handle such supplies. Do not prune the early flowering shrubs until after they have flowered. Some shrubs and trees bear their flowers on the wood of the previous vear. Lilacs, snowballs and golden bell (Forsythia) are examples of early flowering shrubs. The flower buds are made the Fall before blooming and | pruning at this time removes these flower buds. Fall blooming shrubs | ke the hibiscus (Althea) can be pruned at this season, Have you noticed the dark sticky material which has been spread in bands about 4 inches wide on the shade treesgn some parts of the city, especially those {n the grounds of the United States Department of Agri culture? The use of such sticky ms terials on trees fs called ‘“‘banding and is devised to be applied during the late Winter and early Spring monthis to catch those Injurlous worms which Winter in the soil and ascend the trees in the Spring to feed upon the follage. It s also used In fruit culture to trap the descending worms of the codling moth which live on ap vle trees and which crawl to the ground to undergo the cocoon period which precedes its transformation into the codling moth, the female of which is capable of spreading the 'est by means of eggs. GARDEN FERTILITY Garden soils should be filled with organic matter before any attempt is made to supply the lack of plant food by the use of the so-called fertilizers. These concentrated chemical ferti- lizers may be likened to the concen- trated foods upon our tables. They supplement the coarser foods such as vegetables in our diet. Every doctor prescribes the more liberal use of green vegetables. The agriculturist likewise will commend organic matter for male, recommending chemical fertilizers in small doses as a supple- mentary plant food. In the first place, all organic ma- terial, not diseased, such as garden refuse, lawn clippings, leaves, etc. should be composted by allowing it to rot in piles in some corner in the back yard. When this material is rotted, it should be spaded into the gardens and plant beds late in the Fall. It is always advisable in spading or plowing any plece of land, to turn up a little of the subsoil to increase the depth to which plant roots can develop, to better the drainage conditions and to enlarge the feeding area for plant roota. and other manures will be discussed next Saturday and the use and amount of chemical fertilizers on March 6. Approximate dates for planting the hardier vegetables in the viclnity of ‘Washington, D. C.: (Note: According to the Weather Bureau, the latest date at which a killing frost may be expected In the Spring is May 12. One should be guided by both soil and weather conditions in modifying these dates which are those for an average year. Beets, April 1 to August 20 in suc- cesgion (a short row every 10 days according to the needs of the fam- abbage plants, Margh 15 for the crop (start the seed indoors early about three weeks before the plants are needed and harden-off in cold une 20 for the late crop; car- in succes- Summer crop, August 2 all crop; lettuce plants, April 1 to September 1 in succession (start indoors as with cabbage); let- tuce seed, March 1 to April 15 for early crop, August 20 to September 20 for late crop: onion seed, April 1; onion sets, March 15 for early crop, September 15 for late crop: parsley, April 1 for early crop, September 15 for growing in pots during Winter: peas, March 15 to May 1 in succession: potatoes, white, March 15 for early crop. June 10 for late crop; radishes, March 1 to May 1 inWucces: tember 1 to October 1: spinach, March 1 to April 15 for Spring crop sown in ptember 1 to October 1 turnips, April 1 for for tomatoes, sow seed indoors six weeks prior to planting on May 12 or earlier if it is desired to take a chance on the frost prior to the safe date. The construction and care of cold frames will be described on March 6. I CLUB NOTES | i The Smithsonian Institution an- nounces a lecture, fllustrated by beau- tifully colored lantern slides on “Al- pine Plants and Their Use in Rock Gardens,” by M. Henri Correvon of Geneva, Switzerland. The lecture will be delivered at the Auditorium of the National Museum this evening at 8 o'clock. M. Correvon is a foremost authority on Alpine plants. He has written many texts on different phases of this subject. Most of these have been written in French, but some have been translated into English. This is the first time a Washington audlence will have had the opportu- nity of hearing M. Correvon. In this country alpine gardening is little known, f = Alpine plants require a rather cool exposure and an un- failing water supply. Most of the Al- pines are low and often tufted plants and bloom in a Spring temperature. Although there are many kinds of Al- pine plants, they comprise a good number of ferns and many little heaths. They are well adapted to rock gardening, a splendid example of which may be seen at the Walter Reed Hospital. The American Horticultural Society Lolds for its main purpose the pro- September 15 for Fall vege rs in the r bles indoors in average vicinity of Washington, (Note: Quite often it is worth D. the effort to take plants as tomatoes, being sure to have extra plants on in case a stock in the ground. plants in a cold frame.) Bggplant—Sow seed indoor four weeks prior to setting plants outdoors on May 12: pepper, sod seed indoors four to six weeks prior to setting out on May 12; sweet potatoes, bed in hot- bed four to six weeks prior to setting 4y 12 and harden-off in plant bed; O hand for replanting Harden-off —will get splendid 8-room h Washington. cluding a thing there is to be found in Open and lighted daily block to property. 307 Investment Building The use and amounts of barnyard trees to desirable varieties, Lest we forget, there is Spraying, spelled with a capital S because it is so important. See article In this column next Satur- day on “Why Spray and Some of the Common Spray Materials.” Have you completed your garden plans? It is never too early to begin planning. Doping out a program in —GOOD LOOKING —WELL BUILT the built-in any day, including Sun- REALTORS Frank. 5678 = J to h Main 1267 e =8 Buy With Confidence—Buy a Dunigan All-Brick Home Inspect Today—Sunday or Washington’s Birthday These Super-Values in Dunigan-Built Homes $6,950 - $500 Cash—$65 Monthly EXHIBIT HOUSE—739 HAMILTON STREET Open and Lighted Daily and Sunday Until 9 P.M. 8th and Hamilton Sts. N.W. Southern Exposure—Paved Alleys A REAL MODERN HOME IN EVERY WAY WONDERFUL CAR SERVICE! ! ! Take 14th Street car marked “Takoma” to 8th and Kennedy Strects, walk three blocks south ouses—or 9th Street car to Hamilton Street and walk east one block. Or Cdl Us to Show You These Homes D. J. DUNIGAN, Inc. 1319 New York Ave. e dates for starting the | hance with such | Killing frost does kill the | all | The Families Who Buy These New Semi-De! 3820-22-24-26 VEAZEY ST. N.W. These homeés are complete in every. detail, in- car garage .in rear. cellar, attic. double floors throughout, tile bath and shower, hot-water heat, Pittsburg instantaneous water heater, cement front porch—in fact, every- Sample House, 3824 Veazey St. inspect take Wisconsin Ave. car to Veazey St., walk one-half The James Martin Realty Co. Owners and Builders {motion of horticulture in all its branches. Meetings are held the sec- ond Tuesday of each month in the small lecture room of the New Na- | tional Museum. The public is invited to attend. Important phases of gar- dening ure either discussed or some prominent horticulturist gives a lec- ture on some particular horticultural | subject Those interested in becom- ing members should consult either | Furman Lloyd Mulford, president, or D. Victor Lumsden, secretary. A splendid attraction for members of the Arlington County Garden Club has been the organfzation of a special evening class. This class, through the payment of a small fee, is taking a series of 10 lectures delivered hy D. Vietor Lumsden of the United States Department of Agriculture on “Land- P anning and Planting.” The < meets every Monday evening in [ ached Homes - omes in the growing part of the up-to-date home. and Sunday until 9 PM. To Main 4413 5 IIZRS STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €., SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1926. the James Monroe School. This type of garden study is worth emulating in many of the suburbs, where the home grounds should be beautified accord- ing to well-defined and tasteful plans. Furman Lloyd Mulford, horticultur- ist of the United States Department of Agriculture, gave a talk on “Chrys- anthemums” before the Battery Park Garden Club on the evening of Feb- ruary 9. The meeting was well at- tended, being heid at the Bethesda schoolhouse. The Dahlia-Iris Society of Washing- ton met at the Mayflower Hotel on the evening of February 17, at which time they had the pleasure of hearing J. Marion Shull, who gave a talk on “Problems In Irish Development.” residence. Main 6140 Locality.” N.W. ‘REAL ESTATE. Because the régular meeting of the Takoma Park Hortlcultural Club falls on the evening of February 22, the officers have selected the evening of February 23 for the meeting of the present month. This organization will meet at § o'clock in the local library, at which time there will be a round taple talk on “Landscaping,” discus- sion being led by B. Y. Morrison. Those gardeners living in the vicin- ity of Takoma Park should not for- et the field discussion and demonstra- tion on the pruning of fruit trees, grape vines, bush fruit and shrubs to be held under the auspices of the Takoma Horticultural Club at 10 a.m., on the grounds of Mr. La Pelle, 6419 Blair road, Takoma, D. E. C. Po 3316 Woodley Road—Corner of 34th S Facing the Cathedral Grounds THOSE WHO KNOW Woodley Road and appreciate the quict beauty of the Cathedral grounds will most certainly be interested in this elegant They will think highly of these appealing features: corner lot fronting one hundred feet on Woodley Road with beautiful lawns and shrubbery, an exceptionally well-built home containing eleven spacious rooms with high ceilings, four fine baths, two-car garage. oil burner, screens and attractive awninge. IF YOU will inspect this home tomorrow, we believe you will find that it comes about as close to perfection as pos are the aim. May we have the pleasure of your inspection of this fine home Sunday between 10 A.M. and 6 P.M.? L€ BreunInGER & Soxs Exclusive Agents “Deal With a Realtor” [——=n|l——|a|[——=|alc——|o|——|a[——| “WALTER A. DUNIGAN BUILT” “Home Buyers”—Do you realize these homes are only two blocks from the 14th St. carline? Close walking distance to 14th and Park Road. You want accessibility to Transportation—we have it here. Your choice of 3 car and 2 bus lines. “Remember—These Homes are the Last of an In-Town If you are a Real Buyer—Here is a Real Buy for You. 18 Sold 7 Left These Houses are 20 ft. Wide and 32 ft. Deep. - Owner and Builder 925 15th St. N.W. ible where luxury and refinement 17 ell, assisted by Dr. D. N. Shoemaker. is in charge of this gathering. Those interested in this demonstration afe invited to attend. i A special committee of the Vienn: Citizens' Association, under the chalr manship of Dr. Lewis B. Flohr, is di- recting the “Junior Activities” of that community. During the present year the committes plans to organize sev- eral mpecial features; a boys’ straw berry club, & boys' peanut club, a girls’ flower club and 2 girls’ tomatg club. Prizes will be given to thosa juniors who give their gardens the best care and to those who secure the best results from their efforts. This column will give further notes con cerning these garden activities. ale——— o] ———=]a|——=lo[c———=[a] ——=[o|—=]9| More Than “Just the Usual” a] A large (——|o[——[n|——=|a|=F=]o]c——]a][c——=lu] 706 Colorado Bldg. B|———wm| 6 Large Rooms and Tiled Bath, 3 Large Porches, Hot-water Heat, Elec- tric Lights, Concrete Porch and Ballustrades, 73-inch Clear White Oak Floor, Walnut Border, Instantaneous Heater, Walls Tiled Around Sink, Concrete Street and many other new features. Attractively Priced—Reasonable Terms Sample House, 3823 10th St. N.W. Always Open, Heated and Lighted To Inspect—Take 14th Street car to <’Randoll:ah St.—walk two blocks East. WALTER A. DUNIGAN