36 FARM FRIENDS AND FARM FOES 



covering. They are developed in great numbers, and 

 often produce plants so crowded together in field and gar- 

 den that there is no chance for the regular crop to mature. 



This White Pigweed often grows rapidly, and should 

 be destroyed by surface tillage. If it gets started in the 

 garden, frequent cultivation is the best way to keep it in 

 check. 



The common Pigweed is one of the plants most char- 

 acteristic of neglected gardens in the latter part of 

 summer. The broad, wavy-margined leaves are borne on 

 the ends of long petioles that arise from a cylindrical main 

 stalk, which in turn grows from a red root. The plant is 

 sometimes known as Redroot. It is an annual, developing 

 rather late in the season, and consequently is very likely 

 to be found in fields of corn and potatoes after cultivation 

 ceases. Each plant produces great numbers of small 

 seeds, some of which may ripen as early as August. The 

 pest is to be attacked by thorough cultivation, or by hand 

 pulling in fields where late tillage is impracticable. 



As far as its flowers and seeds are concerned, the 

 Tumbleweed is closely related to the Pigweed, both be- 

 longing to the Amaranth family ; but in its manner of 

 growth it is very different. The Tumbleweed sends out 

 numerous branches, that give it a broad expanse, so that 

 when the main stalk breaks off near the root, it is able to 

 roll and tumble along the ground with every gust of wind, 

 scattering its seeds as it goes. It commonly brings up be- 

 side a fence or other obstruction, where regular windrows 

 of the plants may sometimes be seen. It is easily kept in 

 check in gardens and cultivated fields by tillage or hand 

 pulling. 



