Botanical Division. 403 



and other desirable forage plants almost completely. It may be 

 banished b}' subjecting the soil to hoed crops for a year or more, 

 and by the proper use of fertilizers. In very poor soils, where 

 this golden rod has se-cm'ed a firm foothold, it is probable that' 

 the cost of eradicaftion would exceed the value of the land for 

 farming pui'poses. The intrusion of this weed into fields not 

 already invaded should be cai'efully guarded against. 



2. Solidago rugosa. — Usually a larger plant than the last, but 

 quite variable as to size. The stem is very leafy, and both stem 

 and leaves are rough with short and stiff hairs. Like No. 1 it is 

 capable of invading fields and pastures and driving out all 

 desirable forms of vegetation. It is, perhaps, less likely tO' be 

 found on very poor soil. 



3. Solidago canadensis. — One of the largest of the golden rods, 

 the rough hairy stems often six feet in height. Old plants, after 

 the flowei's have faded, are very weed-like in aspect, but in its 

 prime is a stately and beautiful species. Common on the borders 

 of field and pastures, which it sometimes invades more or less , 

 abundantly. Less likely than either of the first two to over- 

 run the soil completely, but is very persistent when once 

 established. 



4. Solidago lanceolat^a. — Smaller than No. 3, the stems being 

 usually two to three feet in height. Common especially along 

 the banks of streams, and in moist soils, and is more or less 

 troublesome along the borders of meadows. It also invades cul- 

 tivated fields and is more lilvely than any other golden rod to 

 become a troublesome weed in vsuch situations, largely owing to 

 the fact that its i)ower of pi'opagation by underground stems is 

 greatei' than in other species. 



So far as is known, the different species above mentioned have 

 nowhere received distinguishing popular names, but all are 

 included under the general name of Grolden Bod. 



A. N. PRENTISS. 



