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SECTION 2 - PAGE 2 - PI.AINDEALEK-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, lfT« IN YOUR GARDEN Enjoy Poinsettia This Christinas Poinsettias. the traditional Christmas flower has been the subject of controvery for nearly half a century. Easily the most popular of Christmas plants according to George Young, University of Illinois Extension adviser in McHenry county, poinsettias are avoided by some people because of reports that they are poisonous if eaten. These tales are based on ap­ parently erroneous information about an incident in Hawaii in 1919 in which a child died. Authorities thought he might have eaten a bract <flower) of a poinsett ia. The facts of the case were never substantiated, but each year at Christmas time the story reappears to frighten people who would like to have the plants to brighten their homes. To alleviate the fear of this plant an intensive investigation of the source of the rumor and the toxicology of the plant was initiated by Ohio State university. The original reports of the Hawaiian fatality were shown to be based on hearsay and subsequent reports were only quoting the original. To determine whether Poinsettias contained any poisonous properties, animal feeding experiments were conducted by Ohio State university in which large amounts of poinsett'a leaves, bracts, and stems were fed to rats. The rats, in spite of ex­ ceedingly high intake of the material, showed no mortality, no change in behaviour, and no change in feeding habits. This work supported * previous studies in which no poisonous chemicals were found in poinsettia. In Mexico, where poinsettias grow wild, leaves have been used, possibly for centuries, as poultices, and have been brewed into a tea for nursing mothers. The preponderance of evidence would tend to indicate the poinsettia has been falsely accused. According to Young, poin­ settias are not only safe, but the newer varieties keep ex­ ceptionally well and will stay in good shape for many months. Young recommends a uniform room-temperature for poinsettias between 60 and 68 degrees F. plus some humidity, if possible. Temperatures above 75 degrees F. are detrimental, particularly in a dry atmosphere. Put your plant near a bright window, just out of direct sunlight. But remove it from the window at night if there is danger of chilling. It's been said that more plants are killed or damaged by "drowning" than anything else. Young points out .that plant roots need air as well as water, so avoid overwatering. Learn to gauge the mosture content of soil by its color and feel. As the surface dries, it gets light colored. When soil is too dry, it becomes firm and sometimes cracked; when saturated, it feels slimy and sticky. Try to maintain the soil moisture at moderate and uniform 'levels, neither soggy- wet nor bone-dry. Young suggests. And never let the pot stand in water for any extended period of time.' If the plant came wrapped in foil or other water-tight material, be sure to punch holes in the bottom ~ or remove the wrap entirely - so water won't be trapped inside. , Try to prevent your plant from wilting. Wilting causes premature deterioration. Uncooked "Green Shrimp" refers to un­ cooked shrimp. snvrnGsi m/\ X o Am* BIONIC WOMAN GAME MAY'S REG. TYCO LIGHTED NIGHTRACERti 099 or HO TRAIN SET YOUR CHOICE IVm I O AILVJ, ARTIFICIAL FRUIT $199 0 QQt BASKETS YOUR CHOICE Ji fit W master charge MAY'S REG. $4.88 //V '/('4WH // MATCHBOX CARS, BOATS. TRUCKS MAY'S REG. $16.96 MAY'S REG. $2.99 & $1.68 MAY'S REG. $12.96 SJAR TREK SUPER PHASER TARGET GAME YOUR CHOICE MAY'S REG. $3.79 GUMBALL VENDING BANKS MAY'S REGULAR $3.57 Cfendle Ensemble CANDLE & CANDLE RING BAYBERRY & HOLLY BERRY 3" x 9" 20% OFF REGULAR RETAIL Fragrance Gift Sets REVLON. MAX FACTOR. HELENA RUBINSTEIN. LOVE. CHANTILLY. DANA BONNE BELL JOVAN. 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RTE. 120, McHENRY, ILL Keepin' Healthy May you have a happy holiday season, and may your children not eat your poin­ settias; * May you receive many kisses under the mistletoe, and may you refrain from eating the berries; May Santa Claus be generous with your children, and may all their toys be safe; May your Christmas tree glow with warmth, and may it stay moist so as not to catch fire; May your holiday turkey be savory to the palate, and may it be well done so as not to cause sickness. The above traditional holiday wish of the Illinois Department of Public Health may seem like a strange message at first reading, but every wish is a sincere one. The leaves and flowers of the poinsettia, and the berries of the mistletoe plant are highly toxic and can cause serious harm to a child (or adult) who eats them. So, if you are using these plants to decorate your home for the holidays, place them well out of the reach of small children. Secondly, the state health department hopes that Santa (and other giftgivers) bring your small children toys that will not harm them. The ideal safe toy is one that: a) is too large to swallow; b) has smooth, rounded edges; c) has no exposed straight pins, sharp wires or nails; and d) has no detachable parts that can lodge in a child's windpipe, ears or nostrils. Next, state health experts advise that, when choosing a live Christmas tree, the first thing you should do is lift it to feel its weight. If it's good and heavy, that indicates it is full of sap and will stay fresh and moist longer. When you get the tree home saw about one inch off the bottom of the trunk, and set the tree in water until you are ready to stand it up in the house. Sawing a piece off the trunk will expose new wood that will absorb more moisture into, the tree. When you place the tree inside, be sure to use a stand into which you can put water, and be certain the tree trunk is sitting in the water. Check the tree stand every day to make sure the water has not evaporated. Finally, just a word of caution if you are serving turkey or other fowl for your holiday dinner. Be certain the bird is well done. Each year, many people are stricken by salmonella infection from eating undercooked, or "pink" poultry. Thorough cooking will prevent such a mishap, so in the rush of your holiday preparations, don't undercook the turkey. May these holiday hints add to your enjoyment of the season, and may the new year find you keepin' healthy! ± f T H t Wfcatfier Is there much difference in the length of daylight in various parts of the United States? Yes. At various times of the year there is quite a difference. For example, at the Winter Solstice, which this year comes on December 21st. there will be more than an hour's dif­ ference in the length of daylight in Maine and Flor­ ida. Florida will see the sun more than an hour long­ er on that day. Yet at the autumnal equi­ nox, and the spring equi­ nox, the hours of daylight are practically the same in the northern and south­ ern states. As is the case in December, however, at e Winter Solstice, the urs of sunshine are quite different in the northern southern areas in June \l the Summer Solstice, hen the days in the north are longer. Changing Scene Marriage rates were lower and divorce rates were higher in August 1974 than in August 1973. A-l HEARING AID SERVICE Free Laaners - Complete Service on all Makes Custom Earmolds - 30 Day - Trial on New Aids ~ Try Before You Buy I Maico-Oticon-Radio Ear Qualitone Custom Made All in the Ear Models • ROBT. STENSLAND ASSOCIATES 3937 W. Main St., 385-7661 Bphind-the-ear AID Reg. $239 '199