342 



The object of this work is to point out the value ot weeds and to 

 call attention to the possibilities of utilizing; these waste products for 

 increasing the fertility of the soil. Many tons of ironweeds grow each 

 summer in the pasture fields of the State. In some cases the weeds are 

 cut but are not used in any way. The cost of ciittin.i:;, rakini;. hauling and 

 scattering these wee<ls upon some field uuder cultivation would be only 

 a small part of their value. If there were a market for ironweeds at 

 say $2.50 per ton, farmers would harvest the entire crop. Then why are 

 the ironweeds not used by the farmer himself, since they are worth $0.50 

 to him? The value of clover as a fertilizing material is recognized by 

 everyone, but ironweeds, which are worth CO per cent, as much as clover, 

 are never considered of any value whatever. 

 In dian a Un i rcvHttii, Bloom ington. 



