CLEAVERS, OLIVER, HARIFF, GOOSE-GRASS 593 



resembles 3, Fig. 199, in shape, are about the size of wheat grains 

 and difficult to separate from them when wheat and cockle are 

 thrashed together. The black testa discolours flour, and the 

 contents of the seed are poisonous. 



The use of pure seed and good tillage diminish it. 



Cliickweed. — Several plants are known by this name, the 

 commonest one on arable ground and in hop gardens being 

 common chickweed {Stellaria media Vill.), characterised by 

 having a single line of hairs running along the stem between 

 each pair of leaves. All are annuals with short procumbent 

 stems and small white, star-like flowers covering the ground. 

 They are abundant seeders, even at low temperatures, but more 

 unsightly than of serious import to the farmer. 



Com Spurrey {Spergula arvensis L.). — An annual from 6 to 

 12 inches high, with small white flowers. The slender leaves are 

 cylindrical, almost like stems, from i to 2 inches long, and in whorls 

 at the swollen nodes of the stem. The whole plant is covered 

 with clammy hairs. It grows chiefly on sandy, stony ground, and 

 from its rapid growth, if seeds are abundant in the soil has a 

 serious smothering effect on all spring and summer sown crops. 

 It is best got rid of by preparing a fine tilth in which the seeds 

 germinate, and subsequently destroying the young plants by 

 means of the harrow. 



RUBIACEJE— Cleavers, Cliver, Hariff, Goose-grass {Galium 

 Aparine L.). An annual with weak straggling stems, 3 to 4 

 feet long, covered with small hooked prickles, which enable it 

 to cling to and use neighbouring plants as supports. The narrow 

 leaves are arranged in whorls of six or eight together. The fruit, 

 which is covered with hooks, is very hard and double, each half 

 being round and containing one seed, and the plant is com- 

 monly met with in hedges, and is one of the most objectionable 

 weeds among corn crops on lightish loams and deep open soils. 

 It is rarely seen on heavy land. 



Ordinary methods for the destruction of annuals should be 



