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SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



commonly do, but sends up a stiff, slender flower stalk one to two feet long, 

 at the end of which there is a short, compact head or spike. The figure 

 shows the plant in bloom. After blooming, the heads elongate somewhat 

 and turn a dark brown color. The seeds are shaped like a coffee grain, but 

 very much smaller, measuring about one-tenth of an inch long. The seeds 

 are a shiny amber to rich brown color. A dark-colored scar is present on 

 the concave surface, while a narrow yellowish stripe is generally present 

 on the back of the seed. 



Control. — Buckhorn is a very common and persistent weed in meadows, 



pastures and lawns. It is without doubt 

 the most common of all weed seed in clover 

 and alfalfa seed. In fact, it is very difficult 

 to buy seed, even from the best of seedsmen, 

 that is entirely free from this weed. The 

 first step in controlling the weed on the farm 

 is to sow nothing but clean seed. 



Where meadows and pastures are badly 

 infested they should be plowed and a culti- 

 vated crop grown for one or two years. By 

 thorough cultivation and the use of hoes, all 

 plants may be destroyed before going to 

 seed. The seed remaining in the soil will 

 be induced to germinate by frequent culti- 

 vation, thus making it possible to rid a field 

 of the pest in one or two seasons. 



Small areas in lawns may be controlled 

 by cutting out with a spud or narrow-bladed 

 hoe. This method is more effective during 

 hot, dry weather. Buckhorn can be de- 

 stroyed with carbolic acid without injuring or 

 defacing the lawn. Stab each plant in the 

 center, down to the fibrous cluster of roots, 

 with a pointed stick and squirt into the opening a few drops of the acid 

 with a common machine oil can. 



Plantain. — The common plantain is a very persistent weed in 

 lawns and yards. The plant is a perennial and propagates by seed. Plan- 

 tain does not produce a true stem as most other plants. The leaves, which 

 grow in a tuft near the ground are large, coarse and oval in shape. The 

 weed flowers from May throughout the summer and ripe seed may be found 

 by July. 



The seeds are dark brown to black, slightly flattened, with acute 

 edges. They are variable in shape, measuring one-twentieth of an inch in 

 length. 



Control. — Common plantain when occurring in fields will yield readily 



Common or Broad-leaved 

 Plantain {Plantago major). 1 



B — Two times natural size of 



i Courtesy of The Pennsylvania Farmer. 



