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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-05-08, Page 30Ard,dAln., nn!rdAd,,n3.,,,andrIA.0.d.W,IArr,,,TiOndffnenM1.1.0,f.nvierk4110.M0,01,,nUWA40 Page 6B—Crossroads—May 8, 1985 Sacred art is preserved By Bob Defries Ministry of Natural Resources Between 500 and 1,000 years ago, some Algonkian- speaking Indians trans- formed a wide, 'smooth bed- rock near Stony Lake into a strange and mysterious can- vas of sacred symbols. Little did these people realize that their art would help those of us in the 20th century to understand at least a little of their Culture — a culture with a profound respect for the earth and all its creatures. The symbols at this site northeast of Peterborough may have been among, Ontario's first rock carvings or petroglyphs. They are part of a tradition of rock art inspired in part by a strong belief in the supernatural, But after that, this rock was abandoned. Perhaps those responsible for the petroglyphs simply moved away. For decades their work was left to the mercy of the elements. Then fate intervened. Twenty-nine years ago, sev- eral geologists from a mine at the nearby village of Nephton stopped on the rock for a lunch break. Spreading their sandwiches on its flat surface, they noticed some strange markings. Closer examination revealed literally 'hundreds of etched figures. Lunch was quickly forgot- ten. Excitedly, the geologists traced with their fingers outlines of birds, moose, bears, turtles with eggs, snakes and stick -like humans, and a most unusual canoe — perhaps magical craft that travelled the Al- gonkian universe. It is this canoe which has led some to speculate about more exotic origins of the carvings. Later, they were to -learn that the site of their valuable find had been carefully chosen many centuries ago. Waterfalls, and certain types of landscapes, were' believed to be the abode of spirits. The rumblings of an underground stream and crevices at this site may have held special meaning for the carvers. In 1976, the Ontario Minis- try of Natural Resources established Petroglyphs Provincial Park which brought the site of the rock carvings within its boun- daries. Later, after a detailed study conducted by scien- tists of the National Museum of Canada's Canadian Con- servation Institute, it was decided that the carvings had to be protected from a destructive lichen and from constant exposure to the elements. The only practical solu- tion, reached after consul- tation with several authori- ties, was a permanent build- ing which would be in har- mony with the natural sur- roundings and with the car- vings themselves. ° Mini -gardens are easy and colorful, . By Patrick Denton Secondhand stores, flea markets and garage sales can be a wonderful boon to the home gardener. A few weeks ago I returned home from a garage sale fOraging expedition with ,a huge old wooden wheelbarrow with removable sides and a large iron wheel. Painted a snappy rusty red (Navajo Red according to the label), it is sitting now in the midst of an island of ferns in a woodland plot, awaiting a planting of flowers. The wheelbarrow cost $5, plus the'paint.A week later; - another garage sale netted a long and substantial wooden carpenter's tool box with a dowel handle across its top. The price was $1. My wife had long wanted one of these as a planter after having seen an appealing photo of one in a garden book Often, during the sPring, when we are putting our flower displays togetherfor the summer, we will find either a patch or corner of the garden badly -needing a color lift'. or discover col -per- haps acquire .a new con - tamer to fill with flowers So many different items can be used to hold living bouquets. Often they may be found already around the apartment or yard a child'r 'wagon, an old watering can. picnic basket. umbrella holder old tine. iron pot even ,a retired v%ork boot When these vacant spots or new iy disCovereMhtathers come to. light during our spring gardening sessions. the wide assortment of bedding plants available at local . nurseries and garden centers are a real boon to provide those instant mini - The term. bedding plants origina I IN referred to plants grown in public park S and large private gardens Today. the term re- fers to partially grown an7 nualand sometimes biennial . and perennial flowering plants. as well as legetable transplants Some quick- witted gardener once said that they are called bedding plants because working with them induces a relaxed state and deep sleep at bedtime the ultimate Valium sub- stitute. The most commonly• sought-after vegetable transplant usually are tomatoes., peppers and cabbages, while among the flowers -geraniums, .• petunias, marigolds' im- patiens and begonias are the most popular. You will find all these in good quantity and tantalizing variety in local outlets. To choose beddidg plants wisely, I feel it's a good idea first to have the flower -bed, containers or hanging baskets ready to receive theih. And -take' a list With you of all the garden spots and containers to 'be filled along with the size of each, and whether it will be located in sun or shade. This will guide you in pur- chasing suitable plants; and help you to avoid such ridiculous 'situations as' planting a cluster of zinnias or marigolds that will grow to three feet in a small iron pot •, Better a patch of alyssum, or a few portulaca plants for full sun. For filling in patches ol outdoor garden . with splashes,of color, refresh the soil first with some compost. dampened peatfnoss or com- posted .manure and a scat- tering of balanced granular fertilizer like 13-16-10 or 6-8- 6 Read bedding plant labels carefully to see if the plants you're considering need sun , or shade,' if they will grow large or small, and whether they will produce the colors. you would like. If the plants you purchase come in plastic V,ell packs in which each small plant has its own separate mini -pot or cell, remove each plant by pressing on the bottom and sides of the individual cell, -Do& t -tug-it-on , - If your plants are sold in a common tray, just Make a sharp knife and divide the plants as if you were cutting a pan of brownies, or remove the entire contents from the tray and gently pull each plant away, one at a time as • you are planting. The plants should be well watered prior to being removed and they should be well watered into their garden siteor con- tainer with a transplanting solution misCo-nduds: No running. No walking. No exercise No effort Penalty—a shorter life No argument Fitness is fun Try some. paRnapatrion The building, which will be officially opened in May, has seven glass sides and a solid roof. It offers a sense of space and freedom while providing permanent pro- tection for the carvings and a better view off them. There is a paved pathway for easy wheelchair access, and in- direct lighting helps vistors to discern many of the more obscure carvings. "This beautiful structure will not only serve to protect the petroglyphs for poster- ity, but will be a permanent memorial to some of Ontar- io's first inhabitants who left us such a valuable her- itage," Natural Resources 'Minister Michael Harris said. Dr. Romas Vastokas, head of anthropology at Peterbor- ough's Trent University, agrees that it is important:to preserve this fragile site from the elements and van- dalism. "My wife, an art historian, and I have visited many petroglyph sites across Can- ada and find this one to be not only the most interesting, but the largest. This is the first major attempt to pro- tect our heritage, and other jurisdictions would do well to emulate it," he said. Brian Molyneaux, a rock art researcher with the Royal Ontario Museum, is also pleased with the result. "The building's wonder- ful! It's impressive and pre- sents the petroglyph rock in a sensitive way without des- troying the ambience," he said. "It will also ,allow visit- ors to focus on the petro - glyphs in a way not possible before the building was erected." Further examples of native rock art occur in On- tario, but the majority are pictographs or painted sym- bols. They can be seen near Sioux Narrows and at Bon Echo (Mazinaw Lake), Lake Superior (Agawai Bay), and Missinaibi Lake provincial parks. INSURANCE ANNOUNCEMENT The appointment of BILL ASH as an associate insurance broker to 111/1Th E. Hancock Life & General Insurance Brokers Ltd. BILL ASH 323-4748 Bill is able to provide Substantial Premium Savings as we represent 20 major insurance companies. MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS HOME — FARM — AUTOMOBILE MOTORCYCLES — COMMERCIAL Call Bill for a money saving quotation today Bin Ash RR 3, Ayton 323-4748 1248 Victoria St. N. Kitchener, Ont. 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