NOTES ON WORTHLESS GRASSES, ETC. 151 



rootstocks creep in all directions, and penetrate to a depth of 

 two or three feet. Constant spudding in early spring, when 

 the shoots are full of sap, will hasten the exhaustion of this 

 perennial weed. 



Thistle, Marsh {Ccwduus palustris), often abounds in 

 low-lying marshes, and sends up a sohtary erect stem to a 

 height of three or four feet. A large quantity of seed is 

 ripened, and disseminated over a wide area, during July and 

 August. Spudding low down, before the flower-heads have 

 fully developed, is the best means of destroying this annual 

 thistle. 



Tufted Hair Grass, or Tussock Grass {Aira ccespi- 

 tosa). — The great raised tufts of this grass which are seen in 

 some low-lying meadows are a proof of neglect and mismanage- 

 ment. Its herbage is worthless, and is so harsh and dense as 

 to interfere with both scythe and machine at hay-time. The 

 roots impoverish the land, and where a few plants have been 

 allowed to develop, they should be removed by gi'ubbing. 

 Efficient draining will always ensure the extirpation of Tussock 

 Grass. The seed of this gi-ass is often one of the impurities 

 of Alopecurus pi'atensis, and of some other gi'asses used in 

 laying down land. 



Woolly Soft Grass, or Yorkshire Fog {Holcus lana- 

 tus). — One of the most persistent and troublesome of the worth- 

 less grasses, possessing structural endowments which ensure its 

 continued existence under extremely varied conditions. The 

 perennial roots form a dense mat near the surface, and the 

 plant endures both di'ought and frost almost with impunity. 

 The flowering period extends from June until late in autumn, 

 and if left undisturbed a large quantity of seed is perfected. 

 Manuring appears to have little effect in reducing the vitaUty 

 of Woolly Soft Grass, unless a high degree of fei-tihty is 



