WEEDS AXD THEIR ERADICATION 



131 



ing each year prevents the plants from getting old enough 

 to produce seed. In pastures, mowing the weeds down 

 close to the ground several times during the summer will 

 prevent them from seeding, and, if this is done for two years, 

 the weeds will disappear. It is difficult to mow these 

 weeds close enough so that they will not produce some seed. 

 The surest method of getting rid of them where the land 

 cannot be plowed is to use a spud, (an implement similar 

 to a chisel with a long handle) with which the plants can be 

 cut off an inch or so below the ground. This is a slow pro- 

 cess in a large field, but it is sure. 



Figure 58.— Roots and sterns of quack grass. Note joiuted root stalks and that 

 several plants are attaclied. 



