218 



WEEDS IN THE MEADOW. 



of it than Avould be furnished by either of the 

 clovers in cultivation. It b longs to the same 

 genus as Lucerne, and is here mentioned be- 

 cause the seeds are likely to be found mixed 

 with the seeds of grasses and clovers. It 

 makes a very fair pasture, especially on rich 

 Jcic c ^ a }' land. The reticulated pods adhere to the 



Nonesuch.) Fruit or pod 

 enlarged. (Scribner.,1 WOO! OI 



Loco Weed (Oxytropfe) grows about a foot high, and is quite 

 erect in habit. It is found on the dry prairies in the West. There 

 is another plant, Astragalus mollissimus, which much resembles 

 the above species, which is also called Loco AVeed. From the 

 Agricultural Report for 1884 we learn that they often cause sick- 

 ness and deatli of cattle and other domestic animals. It causes 

 loss of flesh, lassitude, impaired vision, and finally the brain is 

 affected, the animal becoming crazy. The animal may linger a 

 year or two. No antidote has been discovered. 



Pastinacd sativa, L. Com- 

 mon Parsnip has escaped from 

 cultivation and has become a 

 troublesome, unsightly weed, 

 with poisonous roots. 



Eriyeroa Canadense, L. (Flea 

 bane, Horse-weed, Mare's tail.) 



This is an annual which horses 



1X8 ' and sheep will sometimes de- 

 vour, though it is unsightly and of no value. 



Acliillc&a Millefolium, L. (Common Yarrow.) This plant bears 

 small heads with white ray flowers; the leaves are twice prinnately 

 parted. It makes an inferior pasture, though in England it is 

 sometimes recommended to sow in mixtures for permanent 

 pasture. 



