588 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



brought out some iuquiries regarding Chickweed, Speedwell and 

 other delicate weeds Avhieh iu wet aud cool weather grow freely in 

 lawns, crowding out the grass and producing unsightly patches of 

 different color aud texture from the main body. 



The idea that there may be some quick and ellective method of 

 killing weeds and not injuring the useful plants with which they 

 grow is still uppermost in many minds. There is little, if anything, 

 to support this notion. Practically, we seem shut up to clean cul- 

 tivation, when cultivated land is concerned, and to crowding out 

 by vigorously growing grass and clover, when sod land is in question. 

 True, this process requires time as well as labor and patience, but 

 it does the work effectively and besides, leaves the ground in a fer- 

 tile condition. Thorough and clean cultivation needs no commenda- 

 tion; it not only keeps down weeds, to some extent at least, but gives 

 a larger crop of the plant under cultivation. Then, when seeding 

 down, give the best preparation of the ground and as much fertili- 

 zer as possible, together with liberal seeding of seed known to be 

 good. Grass and clover thus put in will grow rapidly and so rank 

 that weeds get a poor chance and, generally, are choked out early 

 in the race. 



Farmers make a great mistake in letting such weeds as wild car- 

 rots overrun and take complete possession of a field, seeding freely 

 aud thus continuing the weediness indefiuitelv, vear after vear. If it 

 it not possible to plow down wild carrot before it has run to seed it 

 should be cut several times, so as to prevent any seeding. This fol- 

 lowed by cultivation and periodical cleaning up of fence rows and 

 out-of-the-way places will minimize the injury, if not entirely re- 

 move it. 



Weeds in lawns present a much more difficult problem and one 

 hardly possible to answer except for individual cases and where all 

 the surrounding conditions are Avell known. Wheie lawns are 

 shaded by buildings or trees it is scarcely possible to keep grass in 

 good condition very long. Lawns which have been graded are often 

 Aery unequal in soil quality, hollows which have been filled up to 

 grade are generally in excellent condition for growing grass and 

 holding fertility, while hillocks Avhich have had the surface jiared 

 off to be brought doAvn to grade are just the reverse, thin and poor, 

 quickly drying out in hot weather, thus almost impossible of carry- 

 ing good sod until they have been improved by liberal fertilizing and 

 working. A careful study of the situation in each case is the first 

 thing necessary.' Palliative, if not full remedial treatment, will 

 thereby be nsuggested. FeAV things about a home give more satis- 

 faction than rich, green grass; hence preparation for the lawn de- 

 serves more careful consideration than is generally given it. It is 

 the kind of work that pays in the long run. 



