Destruction of Weeds. 



[July, 



season is dry, but some risk must be taken in order to overcome 

 redweed and charlock on light and heavy soils respectively. 

 The risk of late-sown seeds not germinating is considerably 

 lessened : firstly, through the fine friable surface obtained by 

 this method of cultivation, which helps to keep the land moist ; 

 and, secondly, if the small seeds are coulter-drilled into the soil 

 instead of being merely sown broadcast. 



Since the use of self-binders has become more general it is 

 usual to sow the small seeds later, with the view of preventing 



Fig. i. — The Poppy Killer, 



too great a growth, which is so troublesome at harvest when 

 tied up in the corn sheaf. 



A few words descriptive of the two implements generally used 

 may not be out of place. 



The poppy-killer (Fig. i), or weed extirpator, is a light, easily- 

 drawn implement, 8 ft. wide, running on two wheels of 18 in. 

 diameter. The teeth, thirty-three in number, are of iron, 8 in. 

 long, and fitted into wooden bars. Half of these bars are 17 in. 

 long, and the other half 21 in., so that the outer row of teeth runs 

 4 in. behind the inner row. The wooden bars are attached 



