Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 254, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1918 — HOME TOWN HELPS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOME TOWN HELPS

PLEA FOR VINES AND SHRUBS Undoubtedly Render Roads More Attractive and Also Tend to Keep Down the Dust _r " < Fortunately we have in this country examples of well-kept parkways and boulevards whieh border cultivated lands. Their ample parking is grown to grass and embellished with herbaceous flowers, shrubs, and trees. Yet the farm lands they border are neither overwhelmed by weeds nor devastated by insects and rodents. The question of roadsides propagating vast numbers of noxious weeds may be viewed in more than one light. For instance, the mowing of waysides for long series of years has not done away with' the need of cultivating crops; indeed it cannot, for cultivation is necessary for other reasons loosening, aeration an<f water conservation) than the destruction of weeds. Furthermore, the amount of cultivation customarily given crops is sufficient to control all the weeds the land will grow, and this number is generally present despite the razing of roadside growths. On the other hand, the lack of verdure and shade and the general dreariness of roadsides make it very desirable that a different treatment of these most extensive public parkings be adopted. Placing vines upon fences and planting numerous shrubs and shade trees along the way will not only render the roads more attractive but will tend to keep down the dust.—Exchange.