Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1905-11-23

of the supposition that the root stalks
Of the Canada thistle have hibernat-
ing qualities.
In reference to this matter Lyster H.
Dewey, bureau of plant industry.
Washington, writes:
1T is a well-known fact that when
conditions are unfavorable for growth
the roots and rootstalk of many plants
remain practically dormant. This is
true of the Canada thistle, as Of many
other plants propagated in a similar
manner. do not think we could state.
however, with certainty that one por-
ton of the rootstalk or one set Of roots
remains dormant while others con-
tinue to grow. It is sometimes thought
that while roots and root stalks are
dormant they are weaker in vitality,
and this is the best time to attack
them, with view of exterminating
the plants. In general, however, this
is an erroneous supposition. When
these underground parts are dormant
they can Withstand cultivation and
other rough treatment that would kill
them If they were more active and in
condition to send up roots at every
opportunity"
DR.. L. H. Pammel, botanist Iowa ex-
pertinent station, Ames, considers that
the life of the root stalk is limited. He
writes:
"The length Of time that the Canada
thistle may retain its vitality under
conditions mentioned has not been
definitely determined. I am Of the
opinion, however, that it cannot be
for great length of time.
1.-THE case of the alternating condi-
lions Of the cookie burr is quite Diff
ferent thing. The cookie burr seed IL
protected by very hard coat, which
prevents the moisture lrom getting in
to the plant: The root stalk of the
Canada thistle is fleshy, and hence
cannot protect itself from unfavorable
conditions in the same way as the
cookie burr. However, this is a sub
ject worthy Of investigation"
Prof. A. M. Ten Eyck, agriculturist
of the Kansas experiment station, aft
er calling attention to the alternating
qualities of seeds in general, goes on
to say:
'Wether portions of the Canada this
tie root stalk lie dormant in this way
waiting for a favorable condition to
grow am unable to say. Certain it is
that the roots of the Canada thistle
have great deal of vitality and are
able to start again and again, even
when the plants are cut OF almost as
rapidly Is the shoot appears at the
surface Of the ground. Canada this.
ties may be destroyed, however, by
hoeing them frequently and keeping
up the practice until the plants fail
to start. think that the reason that
they have not been fully killed in
| some cases is due to the fact that the,
are neglected occasionally and allowed
to grow sufficiently to revitalize the
roots"
G. w. Churchill, agriculturist o. the
New York experiment station 1t Gene
va, says:
Il do not know Of any experimental
data that would warrant definite con-
clusions regarding the propagation Of
the Canada thistle. What practical
knowledge we have, however, it seems
to me would be adverse to the theory
propounded. We know that by keep
ing the Canada thistle cut OF 20 that
no growth is allowed for q season they
are practically exterminated.
I'm the case of the cookie burr men-
toned, questioned If the fact that
some of the seeds grow one season and
others do not, but vegetate in succeed
ing years, is due to their being struc-
turally different. I think that it 10
simply due to the fact that part Of the
of the seed has been placed where con-
ditions are favorable to growth and
others In unfavorable conditions. The
same may be true with the Canada
thistle, except that It Is propagated by
root stalks as well as seeds. am sor.
~ that I cannot refer you to some
definite experiment that would settle
this question"