WAX PLANT WINDBREAKS 



239 



Potato hook and 

 weed-puller 



should not be cut off, since new flowers come from them as 

 well as from the new wood. When it is brought out to be 

 started into growth, it may be repotted, sometimes into a 

 size larger pot, but always with more or less fresh earth. 

 The plant should increase in value each year. In 

 conservatories, it is sometimes planted out in the 

 ground and allowed to run over a wall, in which 

 case it will reach a height of many feet. 



Weeds. Many very strong Weeds 

 are a compliment to one's soil: only good soil 

 produces them. But they are not a compli- 

 ment to one's tillage. If the soil is well pre- 

 pared and well tilled to conserve moisture and 



to unlock plant-food (see Tillage], Weeds will 

 find little chance of growing. Stir the ground 

 often: it benefits the ground and keeps out 

 ; the Weeds. Plant vegetables in long straight 

 rows rather than in beds, for thereby tillage is 

 made easier. . For beds and for small plants, 

 the hand-weeders (as shown in the margin) are very effi- 

 cient. They save laborious finger- work. Weed seeds are 

 often distributed in manure, especially if Weeds have been 

 allowed to grow and ripen on the piles. See 

 that pernicious Weeds do not seed about the 

 premises. For the treatment of weedy lawns, 

 see the article Lawns. 



Windbreaks. There is the greatest 

 difference of opinion as to the value of Wind- 

 breaks for fruit plantations. These differ- 

 ences arise from the fact that a Windbreak 

 may be of great benefit in one place, but a disadvantage 

 in another. It is always advisable to break the force of 

 very strong winds, for such winds tend to injure the trees 

 when laden with fruit or ice, and they blow off the fruit; 

 and in dry countries they cause the soil to become parched. 

 If the wind is usually warmer than the area, however, par- 



Finger-weeder 



Trowel and angle-weeder 



