The lower branches of the trimmed trees now have in Spring a 
spread of sixteen feet diameter. The canes of the past Summer's 
growth, which were cut off, measured nine to ten feet. The annual 
pruning, besides being necessary to preserve this hedge in the air, is 
the cause of trebling the size of the leaf. My patience and perservance 
have been rewarded by shapely, rounded, well-balanced domes giving 
broad shade and protection from sun, rain and wind. 
Martha Prentice Strong. 
Garden Club of East Hampton. 
Mrs. Theron G. Strong. 
Purpose, Organization, Accomplishment 
and Results of the National Cash Register Company's 
Boys' Garden Movement 
The N. C. R. Boys' Garden Movement was started in 1893. At 
that time there were many bad boys in the surrounding neighborhood 
who did much damage to the N. C. R. plant and caused all sorts of 
trouble. The officials of the company surmised that the reason for 
all this mischief was a lack of definite and interesting employment. 
Since it was necessary that the nuisance should stop, this theory 
was put into practice, and a little house was bought and equipped as 
a House of Usefulness. A well-known settlement worker of the time 
was put in charge and a school started. An invitation to attend was 
sent out to the boys, but at first they did not respond. They suspected 
the company wanted to get them into the house to punish them in 
some way. 
But finally they began to come and a sort of trades school began. 
All sorts of things were taught that might prove of practical value. 
What seemed to interest them most were the "egg-shell gardens." 
These were just a lot of egg-shells filled with soil and a seed or two 
planted in them. They were effective because they showed quick 
results and taught the boys what a small personal effort could ac- 
complish. They were not satisfied long with these tiny gardens, but 
asked for bigger things to do. 
Since the factory is located in the outskirts of Dayton, Ohio, it had 
much vacant ground around it, most of which belonged to the company. 
A part of this available land was cleared and plowed. Then the boys 
were furnished with seeds, plants and tools and were put to work 
making vegetable gardens. 
