TWO WEEDS. 



We seldom recognize a plant as a weed until it has become so 

 common as to threaten some industry. In other words, it has al- 

 ready become a common nuisance before any war is commenced 

 against it. 



Ft may seem like a contradiction in terms, but it may fairly be* 

 stated that the proper time to fight a weed is before it becomes a 

 weed. 



Such a chance occurs now. From our Southern border a plant has 

 invaded the State. Originally it came from Europe. It is exceedingly 

 common in portions of Virginia, especially in the Shenandoah valley, 

 and is there known as blue thistle, or occasionally is expressively 

 named blue devils. To botanists it is known as Echium vulgare. The 

 illustration accompanying is taken from life, and is a very satisfac- 

 tory representation of the plant. 



The blue thistle shows a marked preference for soils associated 

 with limestone rocks, and of such soils it is not unlikely to take 

 complete possession, unless they are frequently under cultivation. 



It is true that up to this time it has not become a serio-us nuisance 

 in this State. It is equally true that it will probably become such 

 unless its increase is promptly prevented. Thus far it does not ap- 

 pear to have advanced more than seventy-five miles north of onq 

 southern border, and possibly its further advance will be slow, be- 

 cause it must adapt itself to the more rigorous conditions of a 

 Northern climate. Under any view of the case, now is the time to 

 extirpate the plant, before each of tlhie thousands of seeds becomes 

 the parent of another thousand. 



The plant is biennial; that is, its principal function during the 

 first season is to produce a strong root, well stored with nourishing 

 matter. From this root a vigorous flowering and fruiting stem will 

 be developed during the second summer. 



The remedies are, frequent plowing and thick seeding, if the plant 

 has already obtained a considerable hold on the farm. Or if it is just 

 making an appearance, it may be headed off early in the second 

 season by cutting the stem from the roots by a spud or pick-axe in- 

 serted just below the surface of the ground. It would doubtless also 

 be possible to destroy it by repeated cutting or pulling, if these were 

 commenced before the plant blossomed. 



