CHAPTEE XXTI 



WEEDS AND PESTS 



Weeding is a delightful occupation, especially after 

 summer rain, when the roots come up clear and clean. 

 One gets to know how many and various are the ways 

 of weeds — as many almost as the moods of human 

 creatures. How easy and pleasant to pull up are the 

 soft annuals like Chickweed and Groundsel, and how 

 one looks with respect at deep-rooted things like 

 Docks, that make one go and fetch a spade. Comfrey 

 is another thing with a terrible root, and every bit 

 must be got out, as it will grow again from the 

 smallest scrap. And hard to get up are the two Bry- 

 onies, the green and the black, with such deep-reaching 

 roots, that, if not weeded up within their first year, will 

 have to be seriously dug out later. The white Con- 

 volvulus, one of the loveliest of native plants, has a 

 most persistently running root, of which every joint 

 will quickly form a new plant. Some of the worst 

 weeds to get out are Goutweed and Coltsfoot. Though 

 I live on a light soil, comparatively easy to clean, I 

 have done some gardening in clay, and well know what 



