THE 



SM^ttis of Agriculture. 



THKteim weed is not definite. By some writers the term 

 is used to denote all uncultivated plants. By others, those 

 plants which are, from their specific qualities, hurtful to 

 man or beast ; but the best definition seems to be that given 

 by an old botanist, namely, that " a weed is a plant out of 

 its proper place." Oats are not weeds; but, if they grow 

 among barley, they are, in the estimation of the maltster, the 

 worst weed that grows. So the common winter tare is not 

 a weed ; but, if sown and harvested with wheat, it greatly 

 deteriorates the sample at market. 



In Mr. Holdich's pamphlet, before alluded to, weeds arc 

 described in four classes. First, Weeds which infest samples 

 of corn. Secondly, Fallow-weeds, or such as are hard to 

 destroy. Thirdly, Rampant weeds, which encumber the soil. 

 Fourthly, Weeds which never rise into the sickle; with 

 observations on those in pastures. 



In making extracts from this little work, for our present 

 purpose, we shall retain only the most useful parts, adding 

 such observations as will serve to elucidate the subject, and 

 Tender the whole as intelligible as possible to practical men. 

 The Essay is inscribed to the young farmers of Great 

 Britain by Mr. Sinclair, who also added the followino- 

 advertisement, viz. 



The following Essay, in an imperfect state, the first 

 chapter only being perfected m manuscript by the Author, 

 was bequeathed to the care of the Editor, who has cndea- 



