Members of the Cooperstown Central School community have made a wall sized map of the world on which they wish to pinpoint all the places in which C.C.S. graduates are currently serving the global community, be it in the military, the peace corp, the diplomatic corp or as a missionary or any similar undertaking. To date they have collected the locations of a number of alums, all of which are dutifully marked on the map. Organizers of the map would appreciate both news and, if possible, pictures of additional graduates so that they might be added to the map. Information, as well as questions about the project, should be directed to Eileen Murphy at C.C.S. middle school, 607-547-5512.

We have had a number of suggestions of what might work to deter the deer from eating our shrubs. The list runs the gambit from coyote urine to human hair to cheap, perfumed bars of soap. One of our readers suggested a spray made with ivory soap which is mixed with something like mustard or red pepper. And we have heard that some people on Fair Street have tried using dog hair. Others have purchased commercially produced "Deer Off" products. There were, however, no guarantees with any of these suggestions.

Our cracker jack research librarian directed us to a website, http:/gardening.about.com/library/howto/htdeer.htm which she thought we might find interesting. In the section under "How to Discourage Deer" there are a number of seemingly helpful suggestions, none of which could we put into effect this year. They include such things as selecting plants that deer don't like, erecting fences that are in the neighborhood of eight to 12 feet tall (something which we think the village frowns on) and protecting tender young trees with a loose wrapping of wire mesh (such as chicken wire) around the trunk. The suggestion is also made that "If there are large trees in the garden, consider random crossings of rope from branches that hang low (but not to the ground). Confusion is half the battle." We assume that means confusion of the deer and not of the homeowner although we are suspicious that both might occur. It is also noted that "Predator urines, droppings and commercial preparations may be successful in some areas, but realize that they must be re-applied often especially after rain."

All in all, we did not find the advice on the website to be overly encouraging. In the overview of the problem, it says "Deer are voracious eaters ... The bottom line is ... if they don't like it, they won't eat it. If there's something better in the area, they'll choose it instead. But remember, a starving deer will eat practically any foliage available, even if it's poison." These were not exactly the words we were hoping for. However, they have convinced us that doing nothing is probably as good as doing anything. So we are now planning to do nothing. However, should anyone else try doing something and finds that it works, please let us know so that we may pass it on.

However, on a brighter note, according to the Feb. 26, 2003 Christian Science Monitor article "Don't return that duct tape just yet" there are a number of books available which present a variety of uses for duct tape for those who find themselves over stocked with that particular item. Mark Rovner, the article's author, writes: "Amazon.com has a list of suggested reading. In "Ductigami: The Art of Tape," author Joe Wilson offers 14 projects for making cool and useful stuff out of you-know-what. On-line reviewers seem to have a special fondness for the waterproof duct-tape wallet. I am more intrigued with the "flak-proof" barbecue apron.

Those hankering for a gun-metal gray baseball cap or TV chair caddy will find their desires met as well."

He continues: "A team of writers compiled 'The Jumbo Duct Tape Book,' ... The book proceeds from this core maxim: 'If it ain't stuck, and it's supposed to be, duct tape it.' Less practical and more zany than Ductigami, this attempt at a duct-tape coffee-table book could be the must-have Father's Day fit for 2003." We were, of course, hoping there might be a "Collected Duct Tape Poetry" book, but alas we think not.

In closing, we have, once again, received an anonymous letter which we assume was sent to us because of our authorship of this column. At least it was addressed to "The Ellsworths" and this column is the only place where we use that particular name. Quite frankly, we have no time, or use, for anonymous letters. Whoever sent it wasted his or her 37 cents and we wasted our time opening it. If you wish to contact us, we ask that you have the courage of your convictions and sign your name.

We remain,

In these Otsego hills,

Where nature smiles,

The Ellsworths

The Ellsworths may be reached by mail at 105 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, by telephone at 607-547-8124 or by e-mail at gbecle@wpe.com. They look forward to hearing from you.