EXERCISE 38. A STUDY OF WEED SEEDS 



Equipment: A collection of weed seeds properly labeled;* 

 a hand lens. 



Method: Have each member of the class bring in a 

 collection of at least five weeds. Learn the names of these 

 weeds and study their habits of growth, nature of their root 

 system and the kind of seed which they produce. 



Make a very careful study of the seeds so that each 

 student will learn to recognize the more common weed seeds 

 that are found in grass and clover seed. Extend the exercise 

 by bringing in seed samples containing weed seeds and requir- 

 ing the class to separate and identify as many as possible of 

 the seed present. 



Discussion: Some weeds are annual in their habits 

 of growth and if prevented from producing seed will soon 

 disappear from the fields. Many of the more troublesome 

 weeds, however, are perennial, and send up new stems from 

 the roots year after year. After the name of the weed has 

 been learned, its habits of growth can be found described in 

 any good manual of botany. 



In connection with this exercise the pupils should read the 

 following Farmers' Bulletins: 



No. 28. Weeds and How to Kill Them. 



No. 260. Seed of Red Clover and Its Impurities. 



No. 382. The Adulteration of Forage Plant Seeds. 



* In many States such a collection may be secured from the Ex- 

 periment Station. 



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