294 THE TUENIP CEOP. 



and reproduce their kind directly they are placed under 

 suitable conditions. On light soils, where the furrow is 

 generally very shallow, this occurs with the ensuing 

 spring, and the field generally becomes dirtier than it 

 was before: on other soils the next ploughing that is 

 given brings them close to the surface again, above which 

 they speedily show themselves. It is, therefore, most 

 important to commence our preparations immediately 

 the field is free from the straw crop, by inducing as far 

 as possible the germination of the seeds of the annuals, 

 and by thoroughly clearing it of the roots of the peren- 

 nials met with in the soil, before we think of sending 

 in the plough for giving it the winter furrow. If the 

 annuals are in excess, one of the best implements for this 

 work is " Bentall's broad-share/' which, with a moderate 

 amount of power, shaves off the surface say half an inch 

 deep effectually arresting further growth, and covering 

 up the seeds sufficiently to induce their germination di- 

 rectly they can absorb moisture, either from a shower of 

 rain or even the heavy dews usual at that period of the 

 season. The field may then be left until the labour 

 arrangements of the farm or weather indications render 

 it desirable to resume the cleaning process, when the soil 

 will have to be stirred to a greater extent, either by a 

 powerful "grubber" or "cultivator/' or the plough, in 

 order to loosen and get hold of the roots of the perennials, ' 

 which in some cases the common couch-grass (Triticum 

 repens), for instance require great care, so that no por- 

 tion even may be left behind. Where the "grubber" or 

 "cultivator" is used, the roller and the harrows are gene- 

 rally sufficient to break up the moved soil and collect the 

 rubbish; where it has been advisable to use the plough, 

 the grubber should be sent across the line of ploughing, so 

 as to thoroughly break up the furrow-slice and bring the 

 roots, &c., to the surface, where a turn with the harrows 



