“The cocoanut industry promises to become one of Panama’s main sources of trade. Cocoanut trees ought to be planted about 70 to the acre and when these mature, as they do in about five years’ time, they bring forth about 100 cocoanuts to a tree every year. They bear fruit actively for more than twenty years, thus proving a good investment to the planter.”
This reading was applauded by the audience and then Zan asked if Eleanor had complied with the request to write up some item.
“I have one but it really is not worth reading as my slip of paper asked for an article not half so interesting as the other girls had,” replied Eleanor, with an unpleasant manner.
“In June, 1916, school children in all sections of Cincinnati, Ohio, were started on little gardens where flowers and vegetables, or small fruits were raised. The plan finally launched the window-gardens which have made such a great improvement in the appearance of the city streets. The beauty of the floral boxes so impressed the city authorities that they agreed to offer seeds free to any citizen who would plant and care for the flowers. This idea is now spreading to other large cities and people are encouraged to have flower boxes in their windows. When will our eastern cities take a forward step like this?”
As Eleanor sat down, Mrs. Remington said: “I wish our League would take up this movement for New York and adjoining large cities. An organization can do much more than a few individuals.”
“My dear, make a note of this and let us suggest it at the next National Council,” added Mr. Remington.
“O Chief!” said Elizabeth, standing, “I am not a member of your Band but I can add a mite to the general reports. I can say that Japan exports to the United States every year over $1,500,000. worth of Battenburg and Renaissance work—doilies, covers, and scarfs. Thousands of Japanese girls do this work at home during their spare hours.”
“How!” cried the girls as their visitor finished her report.
“Have we anyone else to contribute?” asked the Chief.
Fred then stood up and cleared his throat—a habit he had when he felt the least bit embarrassed.