AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 107 



gaining on me, and when these other farms are well covered I 

 shall have to give it up. I am surrounded by the wild carrot, and 

 have no difficulty in keeping it off the farm, but the Hawkweed, 

 one of the vilest to the smell, seems almost impossible to eradi- 

 cate. In my opinion, if its behavior indicates anything, it is the 

 most dangerous weed that has threatened us, not excepting the 

 Canada thistle. Will you be kind enough to inform me if we 

 are at the mercy of our neighbors in the matter of spreading such 

 weeds ? A line from you will greatly oblige 



Yours very respectfully, 



G. S. Paine. 



East Sangeryille, Me., July 1, 1892. 

 Brother Balentine : 



Find enclosed a plant (weed) that is rapidly encroaching into 

 fields and pastures. It is known locally as Missionary weed. Its 

 mission however is one not to be desired. The weed is described 

 in the Report of the United States Department of Agriculture 1890 

 under the name Orange Hawkweed. This plant is rapidly spread- 

 ing in the county from many different points. A recent trip in 

 the town of Guilford and Foxcroft showed many fields completely 

 overrun. The village streets and numerous grass flats in Foxcroft 

 village are painted red with this weed. In fact it is a monopoly 

 plant taking full possession of the soil, and destroying everything 

 else. Do you know whether the weed is common in the Staie? 

 It seems to me it cannot be, as I do not remember to have seen 

 anything said of it in the Agricultural papers. Can you or any of 

 your associates tell us how successfully to fight it ? If you know 

 aught of it, and methods of eradication please give them to me 

 for publication in the Piscataquis Observer. 



The rapidity with which this weed is taking possession of our 

 fields is alarming to our farmers. 



Truly, H. L. Leland. 



Remarks. 

 This weed has recently been introduced into the Eastern United 

 States from Europe. It has been in Maine on the College farm 

 for at least ten years, and according to Mr. Paine, about Winslow 

 for more than five years. We have no knowledge of the time or 

 place of its introduction in the State. Such things are scarcely 

 ever noticed until they do injury, when it is often too late or very 

 troublesome to eradicate them. The experience of Maine farmers 



