448 GRASSES OF IOWA. 



Weeds of Pastures and Meadows. 



In considering weeds of pastures and meadows one needs to 

 have a clear understinding of what is meant by a weed. A 

 weed has been defined as a plant out of place; this concise and 

 short definition meets all the requirements. 



"VVe must first of all inquire what causes weeds to grow in 

 pastures and meadows. In well-kept pastures and meadows 

 weeds are seldom troublesome, but in these not well-kept the 

 weeds are certain to appear. A pasture without a weed is not 

 possible. It has been said that when land is well farmed 

 weeds cannot survive. In alternate husbandry weeds ought to 

 succumb rapidly, but in pastures and meadows it is more diffi- 

 cult to remove them. Weeds will only grow where there is 

 room, where they can obtain plenty of sucshine and light. 

 The more room, the more vigorous will the weed grow. Bailey 

 says, "Ground may be covered with a given plant, and yet a 

 species of wholly different character and habits may thrive 

 along with it. If weeds, then, are to be kept out of grounds, 

 the laod must not only be occupied with some crop, but with 

 a crop that will not allow the weed to grow with ii. " Now the 

 first condition of weediness of meadow or pasture is the 

 destruction of the turf. This is done by overstocking, or the 

 effect of cold or drouth. The effect of overstocking is seen on 

 the plains I have elsewhere alluded to, the conditions now pre- 

 vailing in Texas. In western Nebraska, Colorado, South 

 Dakota and Wyoming many valuable forage plants thrive, 

 although under adverse climatic conditions. In their prime, 

 before the range industry took hold, th^y supported a large 

 number of cattle, but too close grazing and tramping has 

 materially changed the condition of our western ranges. The 

 valuable grasses have been killed in many cases. Toumey 

 says: "la the early days of our great west almost the only 

 method of travel from the Mississippi valley to our western 

 coast and intervening points was by caravan. Wagoos drawn 

 by horses acd cattle were several months in making the jour- 

 ney. During this time they subsisted almost entirely upon the 



