MOSSES. 



67 



effected by destroying weeds, and substituting a better herb- 

 age, by removing the wetness, and consolidating the surface. 

 This step would render easier, and more susceptible, the last 

 and fast-coming state of arable cultivation. 



Weeds may be divided into two very easily remembered 

 sections of "annual and perennial." The first division are 

 propagated chiefly by yielding a profusion of easily ripened 

 seeds ; the second spread mostly by the roots, while some 

 plants in both sections possess the two properties in a very 

 considerable degree. The first division of plants require the 

 care of eradication to be bestowed before the seeds are ripened, 

 or rather before they are half-ripened, for the vitality is very 

 precocious ; and this precaution must be used in completely 

 fallowing the lands, and by drilling the crops, in order to 

 affording opportunities of hoeing and hand-weeding. And, 

 when the plants are very abundant, the better way is to carry 

 them off the land, after being cut by the hoe. The perennial 

 weeds are larger than the annual, and are removed by the 

 stems being pulled by hand, or cut by the scythe or sickle, 

 and by the roots being raised by the spade or forks, and de- 

 stroyed. These two modes will comprehend the general 

 destruction of the weeds, according to the nature of the 

 plants. 



