32 WEEDS OF FARM LAND 



stems that creep along below the surface of the ground. 

 These stems do not bear ordinary leaves but are usually 

 clothed with thin colourless or brown scale leaves from whose 



FIG. 16. COUCH-GRASS (Agropyron repens}. 



A. Aerial Shoot. B. Creeping underground Stem. C. Sharp-pointed Bud on 



Underground Stem. 



axils branches arise that grow up above the soil and develop 

 the usual type of green leaves. The underground stems serve 

 as carriers whereby the new aerial shoots are taken to a con- 

 siderable distance from the original position, so extending the 



