Weeds. 



205 



cultivation. These requisites of good crops are at the same time de- 

 structive to weeds, for the former gives health and vigor to the culti- 

 vated plant and make it an ally against weed growth, and the latter, 

 while it stimulates, encourages and quickens the growth of the culti- 

 vated plant, at the same time prevents and destroys the weed growth. 



That the burden imposed upon the agricultural interests of the 

 country by these cumberers of the ground, is immense, no one will 

 deny. Freedom from this burden is very desirable, but it, like any 

 other good, can be had only by effort and labor. Its attainment will 

 require some general knowledge of the character and habits of the 

 enemy, and some exercise of judgment in selecting the best means of 

 warfare, some vigilance in preventing new invasions, and much united, 

 faithful and persevering effort in exterminating those weeds already 

 established. But the end sought is a grand and good one, and is well 

 worth the labor necessary to attain it. 



