234 HOW TO GET RID OF WEEDS. 



grass seeds. In a few instances the writer has met with seeds of 

 chess which had been rubbed so as to deprivo them of the floral 

 glume and palea which usually adhere quite firmly. Figure 118 

 gives some idea of chess in this condition. 



For accounts and figures of the weeds, which are themselves 

 grasses, see the several species of grasses elsewhere described. 

 The reader has no doubt had experience with some of them, or 

 has heard of June grass, quack grass, Eragrostis, chess, barn- 

 yard grass, crab or finger grass, the bristly fox-tails, burr-grass 

 and others. Tlie grasses are remarkably free from poisonous 

 properties, there being only two or three upon which rests any 

 serious suspicions. 



For further accounts of the weeds tlie reader will consult the 

 paragra^Dhs on '' Seed Distrihution '" and " Battle in tlie Meadow.^* 



How to det Rid of Weeds. — There are two things to be done : 

 1st, 2^reveut further seeding and the further introduction of 

 seeds ; 2d, destroy the seeds and the jDlants now in the soil. 



Farmers cannot be too careful about the source of grass seed. 

 Weeds, and some of the worst type, are thus freely distributed. 

 Where possible it is better and safer to grow one's own seed, or 

 procure it of some careful, thorough farmer near home. The 

 older the country, as a rule, the more likely it is to furnish ox- 

 eye daisy, yarrow, rib-grass, and other tenacious and trouble- 

 some weeds. Foul seed is dear as a gift. It is cheaper to pay 

 triple price for clean seed than to be perplexed with the trouble 

 of getting rid of the weeds introduced. Some of the seeds 

 should be spread out on a table in a ver}' thin layer to aid in the 

 discovery of the seeds of Aveeds which are liable to otherwise 

 escape notice. Sieves and fans may remove some kinds entirely. 

 Many sorts of seeds, especially the small ones, Avill pass undi- 

 gested and unharmed through the digestive organs of horses and 

 cattle. An ordinary compost heap does not kill all unless every 

 portion is carefully turned in and heated. 



