40 



such seeds to avoid samples containing the seeds of troublesome weeds 

 in any considei'able number. Among the weed seeds which seem to be 

 most commonly mixed with commercial samples of grass and clover 

 seeds are those of dock and sorrel, the yellow daisy, buttercup and 

 plantain. Farmers may send samples of seeds to the Experiment 

 Station for examination ; but it would be a relatively simple matter for 

 any farmer to collect a few seeds of these commoner and more trouble- 

 some weeds, and keep them for comparison with any foreign seeds 

 which may be found in grass or clover seeds purchased. In this way, 

 by the use of a magnifying glass of moderate power, the seeds of any 

 of the weeds mentioned can be identified. By the exercise of care in 

 the purchase of grass and clover seeds much trouble and expense may 

 be saved. 



The white daisy {Chrysanthemum Leucantheinum) maybe practically 

 eradicated from mowings without reseeding, by persistent early cutting, 

 usually from June 12 to 15, and such enrichment of the soil as favors 

 the growth of grasses. This plant is a biennial, and it is only'necessary 

 to prevent the ripening of seed. 



The yellow daisy (Rudbeckia hirla) is not ordinarily troublesome save 

 on light soils. Pulling the plants soon after they come into blossom will 

 prove efficacious. 



The wild carrot (Daucus Carola) is one of the most troublesome weeds 

 in mowings, and has been allowed in many localities to ripen a tre- 

 mendous amount of seed, so that the soil is thoroughly infested with it, 

 and replowing will not be likely to prove effective Timely cutting to 

 prevent the ripening of the seed is a better preventative, and if persisted 

 in for a few years the carrot will be eradicated. 



Sorrel (Rumex Acelosella) is often prominent in new seeded mowings, 

 but commonly disajjpears after one or two years. Its presence is an 

 indication that the soil would be .benefited by a liberal application of 

 lime. 



It seems to be impossible to procure grass and clover seeds entirely 

 free from dock {Rumex crisjyus). The plants should be pulled after 

 the stems become tough, but before the seed matures, which is best done 

 after a rain, when the soil is soft. Hand-pulling is the method generally 

 preferred, but there is no doubt that cutting the roots a couple of inches 

 below the ground will destroy almost all plants. 



Buttercups, common plantain, dandelions and ragged robin frequently 

 become quite numerous in mowings, but are not hard to keep in subjec- 

 tion. Liberal use of fertilizers will so strengthen the grasses and clovers 

 that these weeds cannot become very prominent. 



Horsetail {Equisetum arvense) sometimes becomes very abundant in 

 mowings, usually in soils that are rather sandy in texture, but have at 

 the same time a fair capacity for holding water. Mowings that are 

 badly infested should be broken up and reseeded, with thorough culti- 

 vation before seeding, as its presence in mowings is sometimes a source 

 of danger to horses fed with the hay, it exerting a distinctly injurious 

 effect when consumed in quantit}-, and sometimes causing death. 



