WEEDS OF MEADOWS AND PASTURES 25 



Troublesome Trees and Shrubs 

 Over a great central region in the United States the 

 Sassafras is a troublesome fence-side bush. Its seeds are 

 carried by birds, and its underground rootstocks spread out 

 to form a thicket of new plants. In the latter respect, it 

 resembles the Yellow or Black Locust, though the seeds 

 of this tr6e are scattered by the wind. When Locust 

 thickets are once established in a pasture or meadow, they 

 are difficult to eradicate. Their presence, however, is not 

 so dangerous as that of the Honey Locust, for the great 

 thorns of this tree sometimes penetrate the feet of cattle 

 and cause much trouble. 



Many other trees and shrubs are liable to prove trouble- 

 some in pastures and meadows if permitted to .establish 

 themselves along walls and fences. The surest way to 

 prevent their spreading is to cut them off as fast as they 

 appear, cutting persistently every year, especially in sum- 

 mer when the new growth is finished. It is, of course, de- 

 sirable to do away with all needless fences. 



Many kinds of shrubs and trees are likely to take posses- 

 sion of neglected pastures, especially in hilly regions. 

 In northern localities the Gray Birch and the Aspen 

 Poplar spring up in great abundance, as do also the Low 

 Juniper and the Red Cedar or Savin. The latter are 

 especially likely to arise in clumps of Sweet-fern or Hard- 

 hack. These are two of the most troublesome pasture 

 shrubs. The easiest way to keep a permanent pasture free 

 from such intruders is to exterminate them as fast as they 

 appear, before. they have obtained a firm foothold. 



Poisonous Pasture Weeds 

 The most vexatious meadow and pasture weeds are those 

 that not only prevent the growth of grasses, but are 



