12 
without extending the demand to all bordering lands, would be as 
unjust as to require a single farmer to keep his land free from weeds 
while his neighbors were allowed to neglect theirs. 
We have but one thing to suggest as a remedy that may give 
equal justice to all, and that is the enaction of a weed law which 
shall make the destruction of at least the most obnoxious weeds com¬ 
pulsory upon all land-owners. We are well aware that the mere en¬ 
actment of such a law would accomplish nothing; its existence on 
the statute books would be of no use, unless it were backed up and 
supported by a public sentiment strong enough to demand its rigid 
enforcement. At the last session of our Legislature a bill providing 
for the destruction of weeds was introduced and its passage ably ad¬ 
vocated by some of the members ; it, however, failed to become a law, 
and the sentiment which prompted the bill has until recently re¬ 
mained dormant. 
The interest lately awakened in the Russian thistle, and the 
activity which the people of infested districts have shown in efforts 
towards its extermination, has so developed the sentiment in favor of 
a weed law, that we believe there would now be no difficulty in pass¬ 
ing such a law, and in securing its proper enforcement. Many States 
have weed laws which are more or less effective, according as public 
sentiment demands their enforcement. Only two States, the Dakotas, 
legislate distinctively against the Russian thistle. The South 
Dakota law provides for the destruction of all noxious weeds, with 
specific mention of Russian thistle, Canada thistle, and cockle burr. 
The North Dakota law applies to six species only, namely : “ Can¬ 
ada thistle, cockle burr, mustard, wild-oats, French weeds (avena 
fatua), and Russian thistle {Salsola kali!tragus)^ The Wisconsin law 
covers eleven species; the Nebraska law only one, the Canada 
thistle. '■ 
A law for Colorado should be comprehensive ; it should include 
those weeds which are at [present giving serious trouble, and be so 
worded that amendments to corer new introductions are not neces¬ 
sary. The weed question is of vital importance to the farmers of 
Colorado, and any measure that affords promise of relief should be 
earnestly supported. 
