333 



lire are based methods of control or eradicatioD. The following suggestions 

 in regard to weed control apply to all classes of weeds : 



1. Buy seed which is the purest obtainable and of strong vitality. 



2. Before buying, test a sample of it, or send a sample to the Branch 

 Seed Laboratory, Experiment Station, Lafayette, to be tested for purity 

 and germination. In this way only can any one learn the character of seed 

 he proposes using, in regard to freedom from weed seed and in regard to 

 viabliity. 



3. As far as possible, preA'^ent weeds about the farm from seeding. 

 Pulling, the use of the scythe along ditches, roads, lanes and fences and 

 about the yards and buildings and in the wood lot, as well as the use of the 

 mowing machine where possible, will accomplish this in a large measure. 



4. Thoroughly and repeatedly cultivate corn crops so as to keep weeds 

 down. 



5. Breaking weed-infested ground in the fall and harrowing at short 

 intervals and repeating the harrowing in spring to encourage weed seed 

 lying in the soil to germinate and to destroy the seedlings, is to be recom- 

 mended. 



For biennials repeated cuttings during the second season of growth, 

 pulling or spudding where only a few plants are in evidence, together with 

 the introduction of a hoed crop (corn or potatoes, say), are effective. 



Perennials will need more extensive treatment than is indicated above. 

 A treatment such as the foUowing is suggested : 



Plow in the fall and follow with frequent harrowings both in the fall 

 and in the spring. About the end of May sow with rape in drills, or broad- 

 cast millet, cowpeas or Canada field peas and oats. When well advanced, 

 use these crops for pasture, or feed in the yard to supplement other pasture 

 crops. Animals, especially hogs and sheep, are very useful in destroying 

 weeds on the farm. Plan to use them as extensively as possible. Follow 

 the smoother crop (rape, millet, etc.) with wheat seeded heavily with clo- 

 ver. When wheat is off let a crop of clover grow up. Pasture this or 

 plow it under. Follow this with a well-cared-for corn crop. This mi>thod 

 is in addition to general suggestions given previously. Eternal vigilance, 

 care and persistence is the price of a clean farm. That a clean farm, indi- 

 cating thrift, intelligence and taste, is more attractive, satisfying and 

 profitable than a weedy, carelessly o]ierated one, there can he no question. 



In cities and towns the least that can be done is to frequently cut weeds 



