The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-13
AN AGRICULTURAL SEE-sAw.

len or n1teen years ago agricultural CIR
cles were much agitated over the appear
ance here and there in the United States of
the Canada thistle. To the ordinary thistle
farmers had long been accustomed. While
they may not have liked to see it spring up
in their fields, they were not disturbed by
the sight of it's prickly leaves or it's purple
flowers, knowing that it could be easily de-
stroyed and that there was no danger that
it would take possession of the lands. con-
Stunning all other plant life in its progress,
like a prairie fire. But the Canada thistle
that was very different, they were given to
understand. Somebody suddenly discovered
that the Canada thistle-it is called, inter
changeably, Russian thistle-had found a
foothold in that large region rather vague
ly designated as the Northwest. and was
spreading over the vast plains with incon-
ceivable r~apidity. The alarm was instantly
sounded. Contributors to the daily press
warned farmers that TO permit so much as
a single specimen of this evil weed TO be-
come rooted on their lands was dangerous;
that unless they kept sharp watch for this
new enemy and exterminated il at once
they might presently have to spend all
their time in fighting it in order to protect
their crops. The agricultural press joined
in with terrifying tales of the ruin wrought
by this most terrible of thistles wherever 1t
was allowed to gain Roadway. The Agri-
cultural Bureau at Washington Joined in
the cutlery and it was urged in certain
quarters that Congress appropriate a lib
eral sum to be used in a general warfare
against the devastating weed. Minute de-
scriptions OF the thistle were given. in order
that It might be recognized at sight, and
detailed instructions offered as to the
quickest and surest methods for its eradica-
ton. Readers of this literature rot them
selves engaged in agricultural pursuits
gathered the impression this no such
plague as the Canada thistle had ever en-
tered American borders, and they felt a
natural apprehension that unless the most
active measures were taken against it a
large part of the cultivated territory was
in danger OF becoming a thistle-ridden will
derness. What actual. practical farmers
the men who were raising corn and wheat
anu OIneT crops IN the west ana North
west-thought OF this agitation is not
known. but the fact remains that it was
kept up on paper, at first constantly, then
in a desultory way, for several years. For
some time, however, nothing has been
heard of it and the casual reader of agri-
cultural literature has had a chance to for
get all about it.
Now, after a long interval, IL comes to
public notice again. but-note the transfer
m~ation!-not as a pestiferous weed. but as
Board of Agriculture has honored it with a
bulletin containing information concerning
its usefulness and the best methods of util-
izing it. 1t appears, according to this inter
esting brochure. that all live stock relishes
the pasturage afforded by thistles for three
or four months Of the year. and sheep and
cattle particularly like it. abandoning other
heritage in its favor and even breaking
through fences in their eagerness TO Craze
upon il, rather than be confined 10 prairie
or buffalo grass. Also it has been found to
be excellent for increasing the flow OF milk.
Moreover. IL is shown that not only is the
green thistle highly regarded by stock, but
that it is equally well liked when preserved
in the form OF hay. Kansas farmers who
have had experience with the thistle even
go so far as TO say that 1t is equal in feed
ing value 10 alfalfa-aristocrat among for
age crops and hitherto unapproachable
The Agricultural Board, In face OF this ex-