I0S4 



RiRAL School Leaflet 



mitted to send stems or leaves above ground. In cultivating a field con- 

 taining bindweed, care should be taken to avoid dragging pieces of the 

 roots from place to place on the tools. The weed may be widely spread 

 in this way. 



Quack grass. — Quack grass is one of the most harmful weeds. If it 

 once becomes established in a field or garden, it is an almost impossible 

 task to get rid of it. It is common in old meadows, in gardens, and in 

 cultivated fields. 



Many of the most troublesome weeds have the means of propagating 

 themselves even when they do not ripen seeds. Quack grass is one of 

 this class. It spreads by means of underground stems or rootstocks. 

 The rootstocks are near the surface, and if they are broken in pieces by a 

 plow or a cultivator, each piece may form a new plant. The drag or other 

 implements may carry these pieces from place to place, thus spreading the 

 weed. Quack grass is also spread from farm to farm as an impurity in 

 other grass seeds, and in hay. 



The best method of controlling quack grass is by shallow plowing and 

 thorough cultivation. If quack grass is very abundant in a field, stock 

 may be pastured on it until July, or it may be cut for hay before the seeds 

 are ripe. The field should then be plowed and harrowed at frequent 

 intervals until the ground freezes. All rootstocks that are brought to 

 the surface should be gathered and burned. The following year the field 

 should be planted with some crop that is to be thoroughly cultivated. 

 Cultivation will destroy the quack grass that has escaped the plowing and 

 dragging. 



Were it not for its troublesome habits of growth, quack grass would be 

 a valuable forage plant. It makes fairly good hay and is relished by cattle 

 when pastured on it ; but because it so readily becomes a weed, it is unsafe 

 to plant. 



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