534 



it should be borne in mind that the mere cutting down of plants is 

 not always sufficient. With many succulent kinds, and more 

 especially in those with thick stems, the seeds ripen after the plants 

 have been cut down. Such plants, after being cut, should therefore 

 be immediately heaped together and burnt. It is, at the same time, 

 worth bearing in mind the fact that the majority of plants are easier 

 killed when coming into .flower ; indeed perennials can only suc- 

 cessfully be dealt with when they have arrived at this stage, unless 

 they are grubbed out by the roots. Cutting down plants just below 

 the surface is in any case advisable. 



In cultivated land a thorough tillage is the best means of 

 coping with weeds, and is comparatively easy. The greater 

 difficulty arises in eradicating them from pastures and waste 

 lands, particularly when once they have taken a firm hold. To 

 prevent this in such places much more depends upon taking early 

 action to prevent excessive spreading than even in cultivated lands. 

 Anyone discovering foreign plants in such situations, whether it be 

 on "waste lands, commons, highways or byways, or any other place, 

 will serve both himself and his neighbor a good turn by destroying 

 them. Concerted action should at all times be resolved on to 

 confine, where possible, noxious weeds to limited areas. It stands 

 to reason that if one individual in a district neglects the destruction 

 of objectionable plants, whilst his neighbors are contending against 

 them, he places their endeavors at a great disadvantage, as they 

 will have to constantly guard against a reinvasion from his 

 neglected lands. 



A few of the leading agencies of the various ways by which 

 plants get introduced into new habitats may also deserve mention- 

 ing, and be profitably discussed. 



A good number have undoubtedly been introduced togethe r 

 with seeds of culture plants. Not only should always the ripest 

 and heaviest seed be sown, but attention should also be directed to 

 its purity. The best and purest seed will be found the cheapest in 

 the long run, even at a cost of double the price of ordinary or 

 inferior seed. 



Another great source of noxious weeds (and this in late years 

 seems to be particularly applicable to Western Australia) is the 

 introduction of forage. Chaff cut from unclean hay is certain to 

 bring seeds into paddocks or on to open lands where horses run, 

 for many seeds will pass undamaged through them, and germinate 

 all the better after being softened in the intestines. Birds also in 

 this manner sometimes introduce plants from great distances. 

 From this it may naturally be inferred that stable manure often 

 contains large amounts of seeds. Manure brought from town 

 stables, where the horses are mostly hand-fed, may easily contami- 

 nate clean land with weeds, and it is therefore advisable to heap 

 such manure together, and let it rot well before using it. 



