260 COMMON WEEDS 



species probably does not ripen its seeds in Britain, 

 the seeds germinate when sown, as they may be, with 

 lucerne seeds. This is an exceptional species, in which 

 the seeds are larger than usual, about the same size 

 as those of lucerne, and hence not so readily sepa- 

 rated from the latter as other species of Dodder seed. 

 Potatoes, beet, and chicory are stated to be infested by 

 it, in addition to lucerne and other leguminous plants. 



Dodder is a most serious pest, and the utmost pains 

 should be taken to prevent its entry to the farm in seed 

 samples for sowing, or to eradicate it if unfortunately 

 found attacking a crop. Several means may be noted 

 by which it may be combated : 



1. Pure seed, absolutely free from Dodder, should 

 be insisted on, and the seed merchant should be asked 

 for a guarantee to this effect. Should a doubt be 

 entertained as to seeds already purchased, a sample 

 should be submitted to an expert botanist for examina- 

 tion, and if Dodder be found, the only thing to be 

 done is to sift the seed before use, shaking it thoroughly 

 in a sieve composed of a 2o-mesh wire screen (No. 32 

 English gauge round wire). With a wooden frame 

 12 inches square and 3 inches deep covered by such 

 a wire screen a man may deal with 5 to 10 bushels 

 per day, shaking J Ib. at a time vigorously for half a 

 minute. 



2. Should a patch of Dodder be found on a clover 

 crop it should never be torn out with a rake, as this 

 only serves to break up the Dodder into small pieces 

 and distribute it. The best plan is to cut the crop and 

 Dodder together with a scythe, heap the whole to- 

 gether in the centre of the patch, cover it with chaff, 

 straw, or light dry rubbish, and burn it on the spot. 

 Care should be taken to cut the crop well beyond the 

 apparent limit of the Dodder, as it is better to sacrifice 



