82 



to bury the couch and to prepare a good soil for rapid growth of rape or 

 turnips to be planted in rows. The rape should receive thorough culti- 

 vation as long as it is possible to work between the rows. 



Another method, based on the same principle, is to plow 6 or 7 inches 

 deep about May 24th, then disk and harrow thoroughlj^ preparatory to 

 planting with corn. 



Perennial Sow-Thistle (Sonehus arvensis L.) 



This weed was observed abundantly in both grain fields and pastures. 

 It is spreading rapidly, and is likely to become one of the most difficult of 

 weeds to control and eradicate, especially on the clay loams of the low, un- 

 drained level lands of the St. John's and St. Hyacinthe districts. It pro- 

 pagates itself by means of plumed seeds and underground milky root- 

 stocks. It can be readily told from the two annual sow-thistles (S. asper 

 and S. oleraceus) b yits larger flower-heads, the scales of which, as well as 

 the stems, are covered with glandular hairs. 



Any successful treatment of the Perennial Sow-Thistle must follow 

 along the line of short rotations and surface cultivation during the sum- 

 mer, with smothering crops, such as rape, turnips or corn. 



One method is to cultivate until about the 15th of June, then sow to 

 rape in drills wide enough apart to allow of a one-horse cultivator. Culti- 

 vation should be given every week, as long as it is possible, between the 

 rows. After the rape is cut or pastured the land should be ridged up for 

 the winter, and next spring given the necessary cultivation for a hoed crop. 



Another common method, one which is also applicable to many other 

 noxious creeping perennials is to gang-plough shallow after harvest, then 

 to cultivate immediately with the broad-shaved cultivator; then plough a 

 little deeper, followed by the cultivator every ten days as long as the season 

 lasts, then rib up for the winter; in the spring cultivate frequently until 

 15th June, and sow rape. 



A third method is the adoption of a short rotation of clover and cereals. 

 The clover is cut in June and the land ploughed four inches deep. Fre- 

 quent and thorough cultivation is given during the remainder of the sum- 

 mer. ' 



Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) also called Paint Brush. 

 This weed has excellent means of distribution, for its seeds are provided 

 with a tuft of downy hairs, by means of which they can be carried consid- 

 erable distances by the wind. Moreover, it sends out runners on or be- 

 neath the surface of the ground, and is able to occupy a considerable area 

 of land in a short time. 



