On Wild Garlick. 129 



infests and adheres. Scattering bulbs, to continue the 

 succession, will remain covered by the plough, and out 

 of the reach of destruction. 



I have a field adjacent preparing for a similar course ; 

 and shall repeat my experiments of leguminous* 

 cover. I am much mistaken if my campaigns against 

 the garlick, are not equally successful with those of my 

 worthy neighbour. My object has been, as I now believe, 

 accomplished in a shorter time ; with less exhaustion 

 and better culture. It will be perceived that I rely, for 

 extirpating garlick, on my frequent fall and early spring 

 ploughings. A winter crop intervening prevents repe- 

 titions of the ploughings ; and impedes the entire over- 

 throw of a crippled adversary. It gives time to the gar- 

 lick to recover its vigour. 



The loss of my peas is of much less consequence, 

 than my failure in setting a profitable example. For 

 such failures confirm prejudices in others ; though I 

 shall not be in the least discouraged, in my object of 

 substituting beneficial for exhausting covers. — It is in 

 support of this object only, that I am induced to say — 



* Leguminous plants are those whose seeds are enclosed in 

 pods. — Every species of the pea and pulse kind are Legumes, 

 They shade and cover ; their tap, or main roots strike deep ; 

 and do not prey upon and exhaust the vegetable mould, as 

 do plants shallow set, and entirely fibrous. Exposing to the 

 influences of the atmosphere, surfaces porous and extensive, 

 they draw from the air their chief supplies. They probably 

 give to the earth, a balance beyond their receipts from it j 

 which, by their shade and cover, they enable it to retain. 



R. P. 



VOL. II, R 



