Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-14
The Weed Problem,

IN returning again to further discus
SION or this most important problem in
successful tanning, prehaps no better
service can 5e done than to quote from
FFo1. Thomas Shaw on methods of
weed destruction. The discussion of Il
general subject must. of course, be
along general lines. and certain princi-
pies may be laid down us having gen
eral application. The general methods
and principles applicable in weed de-
struction. which Prof. Shaw regards of
most Importance, are rs follows:
I. The persistent and careful study
OF the habits OF growth of all the va
rious sorts of weeds VITA which ones
farm in infested, so as to be able to
deal with them in the most rational
way.
-. The modification, when noces-
Sary, of the scheme of rotation that has
been adopted, so that such crops as al
low the seeds of weeds which infest
them to ripcn may for I; time be omit
ted from the rotation.
-. When certain methods Of eradi-
cation have been fixed upon, the care
full and wise adaptation Of these meth
DDS to such conditions of soil and eli
mate as are found in the locality con-
cerned.
Il. The exercise of due care, when
seeds are purchased, to see that they
are perfectly pure-that is. perfectly
free from the seeds of weeds: and also
the exercise of due care with respect to
such seeds as are grown at home to see
that they, too, are perfectly ee from
weed seeds.
=. The exercise of due care to see
That the thrashng machine, especially
when it comes directly from Il farm in
! Tested with any form of noxious weeds.
is thoroughly cleaned before it is used.
g. The exercise of due care to see
that the Chaf from the tanning rlill,
Wien it is suspected Of containing any
weed seed, is burnt or otherwise thor
oughly dealt with, and that all SCREEN,
i:lgs are also carefully looked after
- The growing of hoed crops upon
the farm infested. to the largest extent
THAI is practicable.
IS. The growing of clover and lu-
cerne, so far as this can be done with
profit.
-. The growing of soiling crops to
| the extent that may be found i,rac-
ticabie, both because of the fact that
they can be cut almost any time is
desirable and also because Of their
"smotherins' propensties.s
10. The utilizing of sheep for the
destruction of weeds in pastures.
II. The growing. as far as possible,
at home, of the food required for the
1--we stock of the farm instead OF pur-
chasing It elsewhere.
~. The keeping Of the land of the
farm constantly at work. so far as this
can possibly be effected.
''12. The stimulation of the soil to a
constantly vigorous production by
means of thorough working ard u
large use of manure.
IL The practice of autumn cul-
! tivation 20 the largest extent possible.
10. Tie exercise OF the utmost
possible rrecaution that no weed seeds
| ripen unon the farm, if by any means
Whatever their ripening can be pre-
vented.
'le The giving of due heed TO all
the agencies by which weeds are dis
tiibutcd and propagated. 50 as always
to be able to counteract or defeat those
aSeraies
IL When once the work of eradica-
ton has been undertaken. the making
Of it rs thorough as possible. and the
accomplishment Of il in the shortest
possible time
is when once a state of clean
illness has been secured. the mainten-
ance OF it thereafter as perfectly as
possible under all circumstances"