WEEDING AND UPKEEP 77 



removal of the large growth, however, the small 

 weeds get their chance; and in the fine tilth, every 

 seed dormant in the soil, and all those blown in, 

 have a splendid medium in which to grow. 



A study of our commonest weeds will be found 

 full of interest, and of great value. The means to 

 adopt to keep them in check must depend upon the 

 nature of their growth and their methods of 

 propagation. The system of weeding which will 

 be most effective will be that system which most 

 interferes with growth and propagation. 



Types of Weeds. After the clearing of the 

 " Elephant Grass," a very varied crop of weeds 

 springs up, with no very noticeable preponderance 

 of any species. A few months' cultivation dis- 

 poses altogether of many species, and those which 

 persist year after year are less than a score in 

 number. The following are the twelve most com- 

 mon kinds : 



Botanical Name. Native Name. 



Amarantus blitum (Dicot) "Mbogi." 



Justicia matammensis (Dicot) "Kamukasa." 



Annuals j Bidens pilosa (Dicot) "Sere." 



Digitaria fenestrata (Monocot) "Kuku." 



\Eleusine indica (Monocot) "Kasibanti." 



