108 Proceedings of Indiana Academy of Science 
mate into half, and the loss is still enormous. Although it is readily 
conceded that the estimates are far from accurate, nevertheless the 
startling figures obtained are thought to be as nearly correct as it is 
reasonably possible to estimate. The staggering loss attributed to 
weeds should cause us to pause and think more seriously of the weed 
problem than has been our custom. 
The question naturally arises, what are we going to do about it? 
The following suggestions are offered as possible aids in the solution 
of this vast problem: 
1. The use of clean, pure, viable seed is fundamental in the con- 
trol of weeds. Unless pure seed is used, all other efforts to cleanse 
our fields will be of little avail. Good seed will solve the problem to 
a large extent. In this connection, the recent seed law, which will be 
actively enforced on and after January 1, 1922, is of great importance, 
since it will enable the farmer to know the viability and purity of all 
agricultural seed purchased from dealers. The law provides that agri- 
cultural seed offered for sale in Indiana shall be labeled, the label to 
state: (a) the name of the kind and variety of seed, (b) the minimum 
number of seeds per pound of certain weeds designated as noxious that 
are present in seed offered for sale, (e) the place of origin of the seed 
and (f) the name and address of the vendor. 
2. The importance of killing weeds before they mature seeds can 
hardly be over-emphasized. The destruction of seedling weeds is not 
difficult, but when weeds are allowed to mature seeds the difficulties are 
multiplied manifold. Weed seeds may remain viable in the soil for a 
number of years, a constant menace to future crops. The mowing of 
pastures before the weeds mature seeds will gradually drive the weeds 
out and permit the pasture plants to come in. The thorough prepara- 
tion of the seed bed is also very important, since thousands of weed 
seedlings are destroyed by this means. Again, it pays to cut a weedy 
hay crop early, before the weeds have had a chance to mature seeds. 
3. The results of recent experiments indicate strongly that after 
the preparation of the seed bed, the principal, if not the only, object 
of cultivation is the destruction of weeds. The more general use of 
the sweep or knife type of cultivating implements in soils adapted to 
their use will aid in solving the weed problem in tilled crops. This 
is particularly true in corn that is planted in check rows. 
4. Roadsides, fence rows and waste places generally are centers 
from which surrounding farm land is constantly being infested with 
weeds. The roadside and fence-row weeds should be mowed on June 
15th and again on August 15th. The more general use of the spud 
and hoe against waste-place weeds is much to be desired. 
5. The threshing machine is a common and efficient carrier of 
weeds from farm to farm. The thresher should be thoroughly cleaned 
after each operation. 
6. Sheep are excellent weed eradicators. It is highly profitable 
to turn weeds into mutton and wool. A few sheep on every farm in 
Indiana will help materially in solving the weed problem. 
7. Give the land a chance to grow profitable crops. Maintain 
fertility by the use of lime and the addition of organic matter and 
