990 



Rural School Leaflet, 



the top soil loose and dry. In this way the farmer may usually get 

 much better crops. A Uttle later we shall see how the soil gives over 

 its moisture to the plant roots. 



Carefully clean off the mulches, dry the soil and keep them for the 

 next experiment, unless you have a large supply. 





THE CONTROL OF WEEDS 



PAUL J. WHITE 



In the December issue the control of weeds was discussed in a general 

 way. There are a few practical methods of weed destruction, however, 

 which should be added. 



It is quite customary to apply salt to tennis grounds, paths and 

 other places where vegetation is not wanted. Ordinarily this method 



cannot be practiced 

 in the garden or on 

 the farm. Not only 

 would the weeds be 

 destroyed, but also 

 the growing crop it- 

 self would be ruined. 

 It has been noticed, 

 however, that some 



plants are more read- 

 ily injured by the 

 use of salt than are 

 others. Probably the 

 custom of applying 

 brine to asparagus 

 beds acts beneficially because it kills the weeds but does not damage 

 the asparagus. Acting upon this principle, many experiments have been 

 performed with the view of ridding pastures of orange hawk-weed. The 

 Vermont Experiment Station has demonstrated the fact that three 

 thousand pounds of salt applied per acre will kill the weed without 

 injuring the grass. This is rather an expensive operation and is not in 

 general use, at least in this state. Plowing the land and using manure 

 are better means of getting rid of this weed. 



A three per cent solution of carbolic acid or a two per cent solution 

 of sodium arsenate are also very effective in killing weeds in walks. 

 Use eight gallons per square rod twice a year. They should not be 



Fig. 67. — A mustard plant the right size for spraying 



