AGRICULTURE AND PLANTING. 71 



Oh the Use of the Thistle-Cutter. 



occupy much ground, and being furnished with downy seeds, are capable of be- 

 ing multiplied and carried almost to any distance. 



Hence the necessity of being acquainted with the qualities of each kind, in 

 order to enable us to judge with certainty how far and by what means their de- 

 struction may be effected. 



The English thistles meriting notice, ^s more or less noxious, are, 



1. Cavlbuus luANCEOhArvs. Spear, or bull thistle. 



2. Carduus Nutans. Musk thistle. 



S. Carduus Palustris. Marsh thistle. 



4. Carduus Marian us. Milk thistle. 



5. Cakvvvs Ac AJiTHOiT)j.s. fVelted, or curled thistle. 



6. Onopordum Acanthium. Cotton thistle. 



7. So^CHVS Olkr AC r.vs. Cotnmott sow thistle. 



8. SoNCHUs Arvensis. Corn sow thistle. 



9. Carduus Arvensis. Common, or Jield thistle. 



1. The spear thistle,is a large strong biennial plant, about three or four feet 

 high, the extremity of each leaf running out into a long sharp point, remarkably 

 prickly; hence in some places it is called by the name of the bull thistle. Its heads 

 of floM-ers are large, and it grows commonly by the sides of roads, near dunghills, 

 and not unfrequently in fields and pastures. It flowers in June— September. 



2. The musk thistle is an annual plant, and grows to the height of two or three 

 feet, the heads hang down, and the flowers smell somewhat like musk, it is often 

 found occupying whole fields, particularly on chalky or barren land. It flowers 

 in July and August. * 



3. The marsh thistle is a biennial plant, and grows very tall and prickly; 

 its heads of flowers are numerous, small, and of a red colour ; it grows abundant- 

 ly in wet meadows, and in woods. It flowers in July and August. 



4, The viilk thistle is an annual plant; and is found plentiful in Avaste places, 



