NOTES ON WORTHLESS GRASSES, ETC. 151 



rootstocks creep in all directions, and penetrate to a depth of 



two or three feet. Constant spudding in early spring, when 



the shoots are full of sap, will hasten the exhaustion of this 

 perennial weed. 



Thistle, Marsh (Carduus palustris), often abounds in 

 low-lying marshes, and sends up a solitary erect stem to a 

 height of three or four feet. A large quantity of seed is 

 ripened, and disseminated over a wide area, during July and 

 August. Spudding low down, before the flower-heads have 

 fully developed, is the best means of destroying this annual 

 thistle. 



Tufted Hair Grass, or Tussock Grass (Aira ccespi- 

 tosa). — The great raised tufts of this grass which are seen in 

 some low-lying meadows are a proof of neglect and mismanage- 

 ment. Its herbage is worthless, and is so harsh and dense as 

 to interfere with both scythe and machine at hay-time. The 

 roots impoverish the land, and where a few plants have been 

 allowed to develop, they should be removed by grubbing. 

 Efficient draining will always ensure the extirpation of Tussock 

 Grass. The seed of this grass is often one of the impurities 

 of Alopecurus pratensis, and of some other grasses used in 

 laying down land. 



Woolly Soft Grass, or Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lana- 

 tm). — One of the most persistent and troublesome of the worth- 

 less grasses, possessing structural endowments which ensure its 

 continued existence under extremely varied conditions. The 

 perennial roots form a dense mat near the surface, and the 

 plant endures both drought and frost almost with impunity. 

 The flowering period extends from June until late in autumn, 

 and if left undisturbed a large quantity of seed is perfected. 

 Manuring appears to have little effect in reducing the vitality 

 of Woolly Soft Grass, unless a high degree of fertility is 



