Evening Star Newspaper, November 10, 1928, Page 22

REAL OCTOBER BUILDING FIGURES AT PEAK Total Construction and Engi- neering Work Shown to Sur- pass All Prior Records. New building and engineering work contracted for in the 37 States east of the Rocky Mountains during the past month was the highest October con- tract total on record, according to F. W. Dodge Coporation. Last month’s total, $597.103,500 in amount, was 3 per cent ahead of the September, 1928, to- tal and it was 6 per cent over the Oc- tober, 1927, total. The above figure in- cludes about 91 per cent of the coun- try's total construction and is segre- gated into eight districts, which are re- viewed below. When comparisons were made with the October, 1927, records it was found that the only district where there was a decrease was the Central West. The October building record brought the total amount of new construction started in these States since the first of this year up to $5.724,047,600, as compared with $5,359,297,900 for the corresponding period of last year, the howed the following outstanding classes of work: $239,691,800, or 40 per cent of all construction, for residential buildings; $148,696,500, or 25 per cent, for public works and utilities; $67,330,~ 400, or 11 per cent, for commercial buildings, and $62,258.700, or 10 per cent, for industrial projects. New contemplated projects as re- ported last month in the 37 Eastern States reached a total of $616,933,100. This was an increase of 18 per cent over the amount reported in the pre- ceding month and a gain of 1 per cent over the October, 1927, total. Record in Middle Atlantic Area. Construction contracts awarded dur- ing the past month in the Middle At- lantic States (Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Maryland, Dela- ware, District of Columbia and Virginia) was the largest October contract total on record for this district. The total, $77,784,500, in amount was 18 per cent ahead of the September, 1928, rec- ord, as well as 61 per cent ahead of the October, 1927, total. During the first 10 months of this year there was $681,129,200 worth of contracts let on new building and engi- neering work in this territory, being 9 per cent ahead of the amount started during the first 10 months of last year. Contemplated work reported in the Middle Atlantic States in October amounted to $84503,000. This figure was 13 per cent ahead of the amount reported in the preceding month and it was 27 per cent in excess of the amount yeported in October, 1927. New building and engineering proj- ects contracted for during the past month in New York State and Northern New Jersey, amounting to $187,781,900, was the highest October contract total ever recorded in this territory. It was also the largest monthly total on record since December, 1926. Large contracts in the public works and utilities class and in the commercial buildings helped to make the above records. The in- crease over September of this year was 21 per cent and the increase over Oc- tober of last year was 12 per cent. New construction work started in the New England States last month reached 2 total of $41,435,200. This figure shows 2 gain of 44 per cent over the October, 1927, record, but there was a drop of :: per cent from the September, 1928, Growing in New England. Last month's contract total brought the amount of new building and engi- neering work started in the New Eng- land States since the first of this year up to $436,720,000, as compared with a total of $338.666,900 for new building and engineering work started during the corresponding period of 1927, the increase being 29 per cent. The Pittsburg district (Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky) had $60,595,000 in contracts for new building and engineering work during the past month. The above fig- ure was 7 per cent ahead of the Octo- ber, 1927, record, but there was a loss of 20 per cent from the total for Sep- tember of this year. October construction contracts in the Central West (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Southern Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska) 2mounted to $154,412,500. This figure shows a gain of 11 per cent over the September, 1928, total, but there was a drop of 21 per cent from the October, 1927, record. Construction contracts awarded for the month of October in the Southeastern States (the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, ‘Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Ar- kansas and Louisiana) amounted to $51,128,300. The above total shows a 10 per cent increase over the amount contracted for during the month of last vear, but there was a slight from the amount contracted for during the preceding month of this year. T AT LOSS HELD DEDUCTIBLE. e Cverflow and Seepage Question Ruled On in Tax Case. Question of whether a farm owner in making income tax returns is enti- tled to deduction for losses suffered by overflow and seepage of water where such overflow and scepage from natural causes resulted in destruction of a planted crop has been brought to deci- sion in a case which has ;un been msgd upon by the board of tax-ap- peals. The case is that of John B. Hada- way against Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Docket No. 12717. The tax- payer in the case claimed as a deduc- tion the cost of the preparation of the ground and the planting. The com- missioner of internal revenue had dis- allowed the claim. The board of tax appeals, overrul the commissioner's decision, held the loss in this case to be / month; also one of our most 2nd floor and facing both 15th ESTATE. 1 THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €., SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1928 With the fall of the leaves from fruit trees, fruit plants and ornamental shrubbery, the need of pruning becomes apparent and tempts the gardener to take advantage of the bright, sunny, late Autumn days. But withal there is no need to be in a hurry. Many fruit trees, such as the appie, pear, plum and cherry may be safely pruned at any time while the foliage is off. In older days one would have sald while dor- mant, but with the accumulated in- formation on root activity during Win- ter, there imay be no such thing as a really dormant tree in this vicinity. There is an advantage in early Spring pruning. The wounds begin to heal in early Spring pruning. The wounds be- gin to heal almost at once while those made at this season e exposed throughout the Winter to various pos- sibly injurious factors such as alternate freezing and thawing and drying. Plants such as the peach and the rose which sometimes suffer partial killing from Winter injury should not be pruned until Spring, at which time the type and the extent of pruning will vary directly with the condition of the lant. Fornnmenul shrubbery that is ex- pected to bloom in early Spring should not be prured either at this season or in early Spring simply because any cut- ting from now until time of bloom is bound to remove flower buds. Summer flowering shrubs such as the rose of Sharon, butterfly bush and crepe myrtle are not harmed by pruning in the leafless period because these species form flower buds on new growth, that is 1929 flowers on 1929 wood. Withal it is better to leave the pruning of all trees and plants until Spring unless one is faced, as is the commercial orchardist, with more prun- ing than he can do at that season. The home gardener, with his few trees and plants, should find ample time for pruning in late February and early March. At that season the toll of ice and wind storms, if any, will be re- vealed and one can determine to best advantage what pruning is actually needed. Pruning after all is not an essential treatment in the same sense that cul- ture and fertilization are. g more of a corrective treatment to main- tain shape and to prevent trees or plants from growing out of bounds. It is not a case of simply cutting off a certain amount of the plant each year but rather an effort to direct the energy of the plant to those branches which are capable of doing the best work. I AUTUMN SPRAYING | There is a real need of giving certain specles of fruit trees one final spraying before putting away the spraying outfit for the Winter. Peach trees in par- ticular should be sprayed once after the leaves have fallen with lime-sulphur or bordeaux mixture as a means of con- trolling leaf curl, that disease which very often attacks the leaves in early Spring, causing them to fall in cases of severe infection. The spores of this disease are now on the buds awaiting op};ort\mlty to enter. If spraying is deferred until Spring, the chances are that the gardener may not be able to spray in time and, since late Fall spraying is fully effective, it is to be recommended as a timely procedure for peach growers. A spray of lime-sulphur after the leaf fall is a good treatment for all fruit trees and fruit plants, especially Bungalows in Chevy Chase Maryland We /0 410 Taylor Street Chevy Chase, Md. Prjced at $6,950 Bungalow of unusual value, consisting of 5 rooms and bath, hot-water heat, elec. lights. Lot 50x101. Colonial front porch and fireplace make this home very desirable. | Six Sold We are offering the last of these exceptional bungalows. This is your last opportunity to obtain a home of distinction in a charming and choice sec- ) tion of Chevy Chase, Md. Representative on Premises From 10 AM.t0 9, PM. J. Dallas Grady 904 14th St. N.W. Main 6181 INVESTMENT In The Heart of the Realty and Firancial District There are a few very desirable well-lighted rooms now available in this thoroughly modern building; as low as $45 per attractive suites located on the and K Sts. VERY REASONABLE RENTALS Apply Building Manager on Premises Main 2388 Investment Building Wardman Management Gardening in Washington AND ITS ENVIRONS Conducted by J. W. Wellington, Garden Editor, The Star. those subject to San Jose scale. Apples and pears from the home garden all too often carry evidence that this scale is still a common pest. Commercial orchards in which consistent spraying is the rule are little bothered by this insidious insect pest. W ER MULCHI ‘The thought that mulches of straw, leaves or strawy manure are useful in protecting plants from injury by freez- ing is fallacious. Any plant unable to endure the cold of Winter without mulch certainly would not receive suffi- cient warmth from any covering that would not actually smother the plant. The beneficial effect of mulching is in preventing the rapid alternation of freezing and thawing and the conse- quent heaving of the plant partly or entirely out of the soil. Plants with shallow roots are most apt to suffer. This is why strawberry and pansy beds require some covering. A heavy mulch can easily be mere disastrous than no mulch simply by ac- tually smothering the plants. It is good practice to cover the plant itself very lightly, placing the bulk of the mate- rial between the rows. Leaves make good mulch if used in moderation and if held in place with evergreen boughs or similar material. As many writers have pointed out, snow is the best mulch of all where it stays on the ground, but, unfortunately, this condi- tion never prevails in this locality. Last Winter, one of the mildest in years, also was one of the most destructive for over-Wintering plants, principally be- cause there was very little snow. A coating of ice, on the other hand, is very harmful to plants if it lasts for any length of time, since it tends to cut off the air supply. Mulching may be best done in late November or early December after the ground has frozen. Mulching is very useful in protecting strawberry beds, over-Wintering spinach, pansies, etc., but it is well to bear in mind that a light mulch which barely covers is far better than a heavy blanket of mate- rial. What gardener is there but who has in the Spring uncovered plants from beneath a burden of leaves only to find that they have rotted away. ADAPTABILITY IN PLANTS. In an effort to clothe the earth with vegetation Nature has developed plants for a wonderful range of environments. On one hand one may consider the water lilles and sedges growing in al- most pure water and at the other ex- treme cactl growing in an aimost water- less soil. Blueberries and rhododen- drons thrive in an extremely acid soil, while other plants such as the white cedar will grow luxuriantly on limestone ledges. All this is extremely fortunate for the gardener. Instead of trying to make a species grow in environments to which they are totally unsuited, it is only necessary to choose srecies which are accustomed to the location in ques- tion. ‘The problem of selecting shade-loving or shade-enduring plantse is one that troubles many local gardeners upon whose places grow large trees which they are loath to sacrifice on account of their beauty and shading qualities. Among fruits which do fairly well in the shade are the native plums, the grape, the currant, gooseberry and the raspberry. Among vegetables the early The Best Location More distinctive features than most homes much higher in price $13,950 On Convenient Terms Exhibit Home Open 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. maturing types sucn as radish, early peas, snap beans and cha:d are fairly successful. Tomatoes also do quite well. Sweet corn is practically worthless near or under trees. Among flowers the early Spring flowering bulbs such as crocus, narcissus, tulip and hyacinth do well. Salvia, Columbine, phlox, coreopsis and some of the lilies endure partial shade. Laurels, azaleas and rhododendrons thrive under partial shading if other conditions are right. Acid conditions in soils may be offset by applications of limestore or hydrated lime and be increased by the use of am- monium sulphate or of aluminum sul- phate. Moisture conditions may be greatly changed by dralning the soll with underground tile or applying extra || moisture by irrigation of some type. || Nature has met the problem from the other direction, that of developing plants that would thrive under various en- vironments, environment to suit the plants. GARDEN CLUBS Mrs. Grace O. Pariseau, chairman of publicity for the Battery Park Garden Club, announces that the regular monthly meeting of this club will be held Wednesday, November 21, at the Community Clubhouse. Dr. Peter Bis- set is to speak on “Evergreens.” ‘The joint meeting of the National Capital Federation of Garden Clubs and the Woodridge Garden Club, held Mon- day evening at the Sherwood Presby- || terian Church, Rhode Island avenue and Twenty-second streets northeast, proved to be an unusually interesting and happy occasion. The Woodridge Club was celebrating the completion of the second year of its existence as an inde- pendent organization. The federation representatives were guests and assisted in the program by giving interesting accounts ot the activities of their re- spective clubs. Practically every organ- ization has developed a worthy major project, such as the planting of local school grounds or the development of playgrounds, etc, and the accounts proved conclusively that the garden club as a rule is occupying a very definite and useful place among civic organiza- tions. Among the garden clubs repre- sented by delegates were the Community Garden Club of Rockville, Md.; Chevy Chase, D. C., Garden Club; the Chevy Chase, Md., Garden Club; the Burleith Garden Club, the Battery Park Garden Club, the Takoma Horticulture Club, the Soclety of Little Gardens of Foxall Village, the National Capital Dahlia and Iris Society and the Wood- ridge Garden Club. Miss Margaret C. Lancaster, president of the federation, discussed the tentative plans that have been formulated for a meeting of State garden club federations, which it is ex- pected will be held in Washington next Spring. This will be an important oc- casion, one requiring the full support of all the local garden clubs. TEIL the garden clubs are prepared to render the necessary assistance was evidenced in the pledges of support given by several of the delegates. ‘The American Horticultural Soclety will meet Tuesday evening, November 13, in the small lecture room of the Na- tional Museum, with Dr. Edgar Wherry of the United States Department of Agriculture as guest speaker. The sub- ject of the address will be “The Con- servation and Preservation of Wild Flowers,” a favorite theme of Dr. Wherry and one that he is eminently qualified to discuss on account of his years of study of native plants. The public is cordially invited to attend. ‘The officers of the Woodridge Garden Club for 1929, elected at the annual meeting held November 5, are L. M. Clarke, president; Mrs. W. P. Lambert, vice president; A. R. Hester, correspond- ing secretary; Mrs. H. R. Engelbrecht, recording secretary, H. R. Goddard, treasurer; R. C. Long, librarian. Dele- 1824 Irving St. NW. %% %' Charming Corner Home Man in his humble way || has been more or less able to alter || gates to the National Capital Pederation of Garden Clubs are L. M. Clarke and H. R. Engelbrecht. J. P. Schumacher pald a high and well deserved compliment to the retir- ing president, Dr. yal J. Haskell, un- der whose direction the club has ad- vanced in its brief two years of exist- ence to a commanding and highly re- :?::M position in local gardening cir- The National Capital Federation of Garden Cluds will not meet again until January, at which time election of of- ficers for 1929 will be held. It is very gratifying to find that the federation has become, firmly established. There are now 15 affillated garden clubs and it i confidently hoped that in the com- ing year all the local clubs will lend their aid to this worth-while organiza- tion by becoming supporting members. ‘This is the final apearance of this column for the 1928 season. The gar- den editor wishes to express his appre- ciation to the varlous ‘mrden clubs and garden club officers have assisted by supplying information concerning their activities. Columbia Country Club. Brick Homes in Chevy Chase, Md. No. 6 and No. 8 E. Woodbine St. Unusual values and construction. Large rooms— two tiled baths — large lots. Open and Lighted for Inspection GRIFFIN BROS. OWNERS and BUILDERS Office Phone-Main 583 Residence Phone—Kensington 220 Near Conn. Ave. and Ga[]a 86 Sold— Open Saturday and Sunday These homes, located in churches. dences. 904 14th St. N.W. North of 10th and Fla. Ave. N. Convenient to Every Facility Pa,.k 3 Left! Prices, $6,950 to $8,750 the choicest section of N.E. have 4 spacious bedrooms, with all modern improvements, conveniently located to bus and car lines, schools and You are cordially invited to inspect these resi- Arrangements for financing can be made. Representative at 1509 West Va. Ave. N.W. J. Dallas Grady Main 6181 All Brick Homes 18x32 Feet With double rear porches 10 ft. wide, reinforced concrete front porch, and garage. Paved street, all for $7.950 Small cash payment and $60 per month Nowhere in Washington is this value equa]ed. 115 Longfellow Street, Six well arranged rooms, complete bath with the latest equipment, outside brick pantry with refrigerator, instantaneous hot water heater, lavatory and laundry trays in the basement. Your inspection invited. Heated and lighted daily. Investment Building ample House '591 URTH t. N.W. REAL ESTATE. REEEEREEEESEEEN W New 7 and 8 Room Gruver Homes ™. 1] Overlooking Eastern High Schooi Grounds m Low Price—Easy Terms i Exhibit Home, 208 17th St. N.E. Open and Lighted Daily Till 9 P.)8 All-brick construction; 7 and 8 big rooms, 4 real bedrooms; master baths with shower, screened breakfast porches; wide front porches. Garage on wide alley: hard- wood floors, natural finish; ar- tists lighting fixtures; model Superbly situated on ‘wide, newly paved street in new re- stricted section with permanent outlook over Eastern rugn School grounds and beauti: new Anacostia Parkway. Ex- cellent car and bus service fs within few steps of these horffes, Ritchen equipment; large sod- Price and terms are surprisingly ded lawns, bounded by brick low. Come out tonight or to- ‘walls, MOrrew. These new all-brick 4-bedroom homes are equipped for 2-family arrangement—affording a rental income that meets the low monthly payments. TO REACH—GO OUT EAST CAPITOL ST. TO 17th THEN TWO SQUARES NORTH TO SAMPLE HOUSE See Any Broker or B. H. GRUVER Builder 927 15th St. Main 2670 ESEsSssEsEss8gssE8888 it Type—Location—Price All combine to make this Charming Home one of the best buys in Washington. 3740 Military Road One Square West of Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, D. C. Center Hall—with 8 rooms, 2 baths and separate garage. Open fireplace in the living room, inclosed sleeping porch that is equal to a room; elec- tric refrigerator, oil burner, screens, etc. $22,500—with terms Open Sunday from 2 P.M. to Dark. Envm.-.acossm Deal with a Realtor 1415 K Street Main 4752 New Colonial Bricks $ ’ 12,750 In Chevy Chase, D.C. A well known Washington operator, indentified with builders of homes of the better class, opening his first Chevy Chase operation, which is to be of large proportions, is offer- ing his first group at a low introduction price. CHEVY CHASE, MD. Owner, having purchased larger residence, is most anxious to dispose of this appealing corner home, located just one square from Connecticut Avenue, midway be- tween the Country Clubs. 101 SHEPHERD ST. Corner of Delaware Street This home is constructed of brick to the second floor joists, with Cre-o-dipt shingles above, copper gutter and downspout, and all details typical of high-grade home construction. Center en- trance hall plan with a very pleasing and practical first floor arrangement ; 4 bedrooms and 2 tile baths on the second floor, and large attic with maid’s room and lavatory. Copper screens, awnings, metal weatherstripping and garage that matches the house are part of its equipment. Beautiful landscaped grounds with a combined frontage of 158 feet. Those who know residential values will marvel at the unusual price at which this home is offered | Drive out Connecticut Avenue two blocks beyond Chevy Chase Club to Shepherd St., then east one square. Open Sunday All Day Hepces &« MippLETON, INC. 1412 Eye St. N.W. Realtors Franklin 9503 NEW Semi-detached Homes—Brick & Stucco Only $8,950 Attractive terms to immediate buyers. First-class construction—practically 4 bedrooms, as the in- closed upper porch is heated; 3 large rooms down; open fireplace; front and rear porches; the usual features of oak floors, hot-water heat and electric lighting and in addition built-in refrigerator, in- stant heater for service water, cedar closet, etc. Also a garage. Street, alley and sidewalk paved. Thoroughly desirable environ. ment with both business and social activ: near at hand. Street car service by the Fourteenth St. line—extended to peabody St. Bus line in a few weeks. The price here quoted is a substantial reduction from former figures and represents REAL VALUE. Ofpen Dajly and SUNDAY 2win.H Saunders Co.n REALTORS. ¢ 21 STREET - MAINID Large Landscaped Lots Covered Concrete Veranda Double Rear Porches Detached Garage Electric Refrigeration 4505 RIVER RCAD Attractively situated in this exclusive and convenient all-resi- dential section; spacious living room with open fireplace, outside pantry, modern kitchen, three bedrooms and sleeping porch; full tiled bath, hot-water heat, etc. Exhibit Home Drive out River Road from Wisconsin to homes. JéLouglass Co Exclusive Agents 1621 K St. NW.