Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-07-03
Facts for Farmers, Stock
Breeders, Pouk ~ Raissrs,
Orehardists, Truckers and Gar
deners---Queries and ANSWERS

,quack-Srass, Canada thistle, plan.
| tains).
Some small benefits OF weeds ma,
De named as follows:
i. Ihey are of some use in the world
10 induce moro frequent and more
thorough cultivation, which benefit.
crops.
2. The new arrival of a weed Of frs,
rank stimulates watchfulness (Russiar
thistle).
8. In occupying the soil after q crop
mas been removed, they prevent the
loss OF fertility by shading the ground
4. Weeds plowed under add some
humus and fertility to the soil. though
In very much less degree than clover
or COW peas
8. Some OF them furnish food for
birds in winter.
Here are few rules for the ex-
termination Of trouble some weeds:
l. The right kind OF a man, who will
OF weeds and their habits, fighting each
TO the best advantage. l. e. with
method.
2. See that all seeds purchased or
grown at home for seed are free from
seeds OF weeds. Although often heard,
these words are too little needed
3. Sec that threshing machines. hay
gram pdSS from Otner farms
are well cleaned before used on the
farm.
I. Cook or grind screenings and burn
chaff when certain weeds are suspected.
b. Send seeds to your State agricul-
tural college for Identification, unless
they are known to be harmless.
6. Strive TO prevent weeds from ripen-
ing seeds. This is especially import
ant late in the season in case Of all
y MI ra1o ~kI,
flowers are very small and are liable
to be overlooked and the seeds ripcn
before their presence is suspected.
Z. For meadow or pasture make the
soil very fertile, as most weeds will
then be killed or crowded by the better
grass and become of little account
8. Modify the rotation of crops with
reference to killing the weeds.
g. Make a speciality of hoed or Gull
tivated crops
10. Make soiling crops a prominent
feature in certain fields.
H. Smother weeds with quick grow
ing and thickly seeded crops, like red
clover or rye or buckwheat.
IL Keep some crops growing on the
land from early spring till late au-
tumn--double cropping. i. e., two Gull
tirated crops in ono year for barn and
cellar instead of one for use and ono
of weeds.
10. Cultivate thoroughly after a crop
is removed.
II. Clean UP and avoid leaving any
vacant or out-of-the-way places for
breeding ground.
Is. Where practica BILE. remove fences
and cultivate to the cutters Of the
highway.
16. Keep some sheep.
Il. When once begun, continue tho
work thoroughly from year to year.
giving no quarter to weeds. This is
IN No
royal way.
Is Where hand labor is employed,
1T is far less expensive and much easier
to keep weeds down by raking or hoe
ing once week than by going over
the ground much less frequently.
The habits OF a weed determine TO
a great extent the best mode of fight
ing it, Certain remedies suggest them
selves for creeping perennials. like
0uack grass and toad fax. while diff
ferent treatment Is best for narrow
leaved dock: and still different mode
Of attack may be adopted for crab
grass and purslane.
Weeds are ANIMALS. as pigwceds
crab grass. purslane: biennials as bull
thistle and mulleins: perennials, like
auack grass. Canada thistle. ox-eye
daisy.
Will 1t pay? The annual cost Of sue
cessfully fighting a weedy farm OF 100
acres i'm Ontario has been found to be
about SIS Good cultivation in the long
run pays a greater profit than slip
shod culture. 1t not only kills the
weeds but keeps the soil in condition
for securing good crops. 1t conservcs
moisture.
Perennial plants cannot gain any it
the green leaves are not allowed to
appear. The nourishment stored in the
root stocks underground will aid tho
plant to send up slender leaves. and
IL these remain, the plants gain and
recruit; but If the leaves start under
ground and are cut off before coming
to the light, these root stocks are
drawn on again to furnish food to start
more leaves and thus, in time. become
exhausted