1917

First part occupied in getting drying machinery installed, this meant many visits to London, and one to Birkenhead to arrange for drying shed (galvanized iron).  Drawing plans for shed and setting out site for concrete, also fixed bolts for engine and boiler.  Plans drawn by March.  Saw Davidson to arrange about fan.  Also Ministry of Munitions in order to get Priority Certificate.  This we sourced through Dr McCleary – not insurance office.

During January I was very busy designing drying shed etc and staking out the dimension on the site.  Also had to survey much land to see if the right crops were grown.

Feb 1 – Another visit to London first to meet Army Canteen Board to smooth over difficulties.  Then to get estimates for shed.  Also to see about the machinery and the Farmers' Central Trading Board about supplies of fertilisers.

Feb 12 – To Birkenhead to enquire as to iron shed.  Visited Liverpool and Manchester markets re produce marketing.

Mar 13 – Another visit to London, made final arrangements as to machinery for drying.  Very late spring.

Apr 3 – Foundation for boiler and engine got out.

May 3 – Fan delivered and heater soon after.  Engine fixed.

May 13 – Erection of drying shed started.

June 8 – Belladonna drying started, which meant much night work.

July 24 – Heard Mary Anderson recite “For the Fallen”.

Aug 8 – Had 3 days off cycling.  Stratford, Leamington, Daventry to Guilborough.  Next day to Brixworth, Kettering, Bythorne and Keyston, Earl’s Barton, Northampton – a grand architectural beat.  Back by Towcester and Banbury.

Aug 31 – Cycled to Gloucester and Lower Cam to visit the works of R A Lister at Dursley.  Back by Painswick.

Sep 14 – Cycled to Tenbury and Leominster in search of autumn crocus which we found.  Back via Hereford.

Sep 25 – First time in Chair at Petty sessions.  Felt nervous but got through without disaster. 

Dried 1100 1b at shed last week.

Medicinal Herbs

• Belladonna – leaves, roots and stems (dried in kilns or cabinets)
• Henbane – all of plant (dried in kilns or cabinets)
• Blessed thistle – dried at the ground like hay)
• Datura metel – only very small quantities
• Dandelion root – collected by children (dried in kiln)
• Sage – not very good quality (dried in kiln, required special machinery for rubbing and cleaning)