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provision for their perpetuation. Living as they 

 do among many discouragements and difficulties 

 it has been necessary for them to provide protec- 

 tion for the plants themselves against unfavor- 

 able weather conditions and against animals. 

 Some weeds have the ability to withstand long 

 and severe droughts while others are able to grow 

 where there is a superabundance of moisture. 

 Some are able to withstand extremely low 

 temperatures. 



Protection against destruction by animals is 

 afforded by spines, thorns, bitter juices, and 

 poisons. 



Understanding these provisions of nature for 

 the production and perpetuation of weeds it is 

 quite apparent that prompt and efficient methods 

 must be used by farmers and gardeners in de- 

 stroying them on first appearance. 



A few mustard, thistle, or dandelion plants 

 which seem harmless because there are so few, 

 may spread to such an extent that in a few years 

 it will cost thousands of dollars to rid an infested 

 area from the pest which, if destroyed while still 

 few in numbers, would have cost only a few 

 dollars or dimes. 



Weeds are much like a leak in a boiler or a fire 

 let loose. They are easily attended to at first, 

 but lead to destruction if proper attention is not 



