434 Journal of Agiicultn/( , Victoria. [10 July, 1917. 



Ragwort {Senccio JacohtKi). — This plant is au introduction from 

 Europe, and belongs to the same genus of plants as the common 

 groundsel, and, like that plant., produces an enormous number of 

 wind-borne seeds, which conduces to its rapid spread when neglected 

 and allowed to' run to seed. This weed should be taken in hand as soon 

 as noticed, as, besides destroying th© natural grasses, it has the reputa- 

 tion of causin,g fatal sickness among horses. In last month's (April) 

 issue of the A;/rlriilfiiral Gazette of N.S.W., by J. H. Maiden 

 (Government Botanist) Writes: — "The other is the Ragworti (iS'. 

 Jacohna), which is common in Victoria, but, so far as I know, it has not 

 been officially recorded as having made its appearance in New South 

 Wales, although I am perfectly certain it is in the State. In the Cape 

 of Good Hope species of Senecia are recorded as having induced cirrhosis 

 of the liver in stock, and in New Zealand .S'. Jacohaa is blamed for the 

 similar and fatal complaint amongst hcrses known as 'Winton disease.' 



As showing what can bo done in weed eradication by a council alive 

 to the interests of landowners, it is worth stating here that the Colac 

 Council expended this year upwards of £500 in the extermination of 

 noxioiis weeds. This council started a Ragwort competition amongst the 

 schools in the affected areas, with the result that 2,187,303 plants were 

 pulled and burnt, and a sum of £367 2s. was paid to the school children 

 competing. 



On lands that cannot be cultivated jjlants should be hand-pulled 

 just before the flowering stage is reached, and afterwards burnt'. With 

 immature plants cutting them low down is advised, followed by salt 

 applications immediately afterwards. 



Hemlock {Cnniuni niariihitiim) is another introduction from Europe 

 and Asia. This species is biennial, and produces quantites of seed from 

 its small whitish-coloured flowers, and is highly poisonous. Unfortun- 

 ately this plant is spreading rapidly in some districts. It thrives best 

 in deep soils in localities liaving a good rainfall. Land on which this 

 plant is growin,g; should be cultivated wherever possible, and under no 

 circumstances should it be allowed to seed. Hand-pulling is effective 

 on large plants ; small plants should be mown and a dressing afterwards 

 made with salt. Hemlock has caused tlie death of children and stock 

 that have eaten it. 



In conclusion, it may b© pointed out that many landcwners are 

 careless about a new plant when it first makes its appearance on theii 

 land. 



Any strange plant should be identified, and if it is of value it can 

 be allowed to remain, but otherwise it should be immediately destroyed, 

 so as not to run unnecessary risks by allowing it tO' become established . 

 I have often been surprised at the indifference shown by many farmers* 

 to strange weeds appearing on their laud. A wider knowledge of 

 alien plants must be of benefit to all, and there ap]>ears to be a grand 

 opportimity here for the Education Department to include noxious 

 weeds in its nature-study lessons, because if children in the country 

 schools were taught to recognise useless or dangerous weeds they could 

 destroy them should they make their appearance in their district. 



In addition to this, they could pass ou this knowledge to their 

 parents, so that paddocks would not become overrun with pest plants 

 before their identity became known, as so often happens at the present 

 timei. 



