16 VERMONT AGRICULTURAL, REPORT. 



grain are easily covered by the spray. One barrel or less of the 

 solution (30 to 50 gallons) suffices to cover an acre and destroy 

 the charlock, and this amount causes little or no damage to the 

 grain. This same treatment is reported to be more or less effect- 

 ive against a variety of other w^eeds, including thistles, penny- 

 cress, ragweed, lamb's quarters, etc. The wild turnip (Brassica 

 campestris) and some allied cruciferous weeds are less easily 

 killed because the spray does not adhere to their smooth leaves. 



Lazvn weeds. Orange Hawk weed (Hieraciwn aiirantia- 

 ctim), chickweed {Stellaria media) and some other of the shal- 

 low-rooted succulent weeds of lawns and grass lands can be more 

 effectively combated by the use of salt than any other chemical. 

 Fine, dry salt should be applied on a bright, hot, summer day 

 (late June or early July best), broadcasting it so as to cover all 

 plants uniformly, since it kills chiefly by drawing water from the 

 leaves. From i to 4 quarts of salt can be used per square rod, 

 with little or no permanent injury to the grass if upon a strong 

 soil in the Northeastern States. Since the effect will doubtless 

 vary much with local conditions, anyone trying this should make 

 advance trials on a small scale. Following the application, the 

 dead weeds should be raked out and a liberal , application of 

 grass seed made. A liberal seeding with white clover will help 

 to keep such weeds out. 



Poison ivy and similar woody rooted pests can be eradicated 

 by cutting off the tops in hot, dry weather in midsummer and 

 pouring a saturated solution of caustic soda about the roots. 

 The arsenical solutions mentioned above can be used, but are 

 generally objectionable because they render the soil sterile for 

 so long a period thereafter. 



