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ELEMENTS OF FARM PRACTICE 



iar with most of the common ones as to recognize them 

 when seen, either as seeds or as young or mature plants. 



Specimens. — It may prove an interesting and profitable 

 pastime, at the proper season of the year, to gather speci- 

 mens of all the weeds that you commonly find in your 

 fields, to observe them carefully and try to find some charr 

 acteristic by which you can identify each kind. You may 

 desire to press, mount and name these specimens. 



Figure 52. — Yellow mustard, showing taproot, hairy stem and (1) the seed pod 

 split open; (2) blossom, showing 4 petals in the form of a cross, whence this 

 family of plants is named Cruciferae; (3) Seeds. 



Mounting Weeds. — Select two or three plants that 

 represent their class, and dig them up in such a way as to 

 show the root, the leaves, the stem, and, if possible, the 

 blossoms. Lay or hang them in the shade until well wilted 

 but not dry. Then spread out the parts carefully, to show 

 each plainly. Lay the plants between a couple of sheets 

 of blotting paper, if you have them; if not, put the plants 

 between newspapers, and put heavy weights on them. 

 Change the papers often until the plants are dry, to pre- 



