"Oscar" in Paris Schoolboy Memories

Who knew that in the 1950's, long before the Chia Pet, a similar toy that we called "Oscar" was popular. Made of porous ceramic in the shape of a human head there were grooves in the scalp and a hole for adding water. Grass seeds were planted in the grooves and the moisture seeping from inside would sprout the seeds, giving Oscar a green head of hair. Submitted by Ray Harding.