HOLTZ] 



WEEDS 241 



plants, but were introduced in one way or another. Some, no 

 doubt, through natural agencies, but many were brought here by 

 man; sometimes intentionally (dandelion, chicory, field daisy, 

 purslane) for beauty or for some real or fancied usefulness. 

 Others, again, have been unintentionally introduced with the seed 

 of useful foreign plants, with packing material, ship ballast, etc. 

 Many of these weeds, like human immigrants to America, find 

 conditions so favorable, as compared with what they were used 

 to in the old country, that they have thrived far more luxuriantly 

 here than there, and have spread far and wide. 



The rapidity with which weeds, especially the wand-blown 

 sorts, take possession of the land is astounding, and constitutes 

 a serious menace to farmers. It is only a few years ago that the 

 Russian "thistle" was imported with seed wheat and flax into the 

 Middle West, and now it is to be found over most of the Missis- 

 sippi Valley and even beyond. On account of their annoying or 

 harmful character legislation has been passed against weeds in 

 practically all of the states, which looks to the prevention of their 

 introduction in the first place, or, if already introduced or native, 

 to their checking or extermination. There are in most cities and 

 towns ordinances requiring the destruction of weeds in the streets 

 and lots, but this is chiefly for aesthetic reasons. 



On farms the weed laws look to more practical ends. The 

 wicked neighbor, in the old story, w r ent.over into his neighbor's 

 field and sowed tares. The careless farmer who does not keep 

 his own fields free from tares can do his neighbors a great deal 

 of mischief. 



Yellow mustard, Canada thistle, field daisy and Russian 

 "thistle" are among the most offending weeds. Perhaps no other 

 plant so well illustrates the difference between the practical and 

 the aesthetic points of view as the field daisy or white-weed. 

 Farmers look upon its spread with disgust, while the amateur 

 flower lover and the poet think it a charming flower. 



There is no universal rule for the extermination of weeds. 

 Different methods must be used for different classes. The Farm- 

 ers' Bulletin, Xo. 28, gives a very large list of weeds with the 

 special methods best suited for the destruction of each kind. This 

 bulletin may be had for the asking. Apply to the Department of 

 Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



If weeds are not too numerous, the best way to get rid of 

 them is by hand pulling or weeding. The best time to do this is 

 after a rain when the ground is soft and allows the roots to come 



