Grand Forks herald., 1917-02-24

The above APPALLING figures are OBJ
tanned by H. r. Cox of the United
States department of agriculture for
the whole United States. and EXPIRES
ident ]. H. Worst Of the North Da-
kota agricultural college is credited
with the statement giving our proper
ton, which it will be noted is one
sixth of that for the entire United
States.
This is a direct, actual money loss,
such as reduces the income from crops
when we have unfavorable season.
but does not include the loss due to
depreciation in land values, where
weeds have practically taken the
land.
The department Of agriculture at
tributes most Of this to a lack of
proper planning of the farming oper-
ations. Weeds are a result of sys-
tenn Of farming which does not pro-
hibit their growing.
The weeds which are troublesome
in this region grow among the small
grains, maturing at practically the
same time as the grains. The meth
DDS of growing small grains are also
favorable to the growth of the weeds.
Drastic Measures Necessary.
In the opinion of many who have
watched the rapid increase in the
growth Of weeds. there is no one thing
that Is more essential to this section
Of the northwest than the considera-
ton Of measures for controlling weeds.
Particularly in the northeast section
of this state there are already many
fields that have practically been aban-
doned to the weeds. Further north,
across the line. in Canada. where
weed laws have been enforced much
~ tI4 In,
ernment, because of the fact that the
expense of cutting the weeds has been
charged up as taxes until the value
Of the land has been practically con-
sumed.
There are instances in localities in
our state where land has decreased in
value, fully one-half, within the last
ten or fifteen years, because of the
prevalence of SOW thistle. Canada
thistle and quack grass.
Legislation Needed.
There undoubtedly could be some-
thing accomplished by legislation, but
legislation must not be depended upon
to control the weeds 1t requires
and no legislation can be enforced
that does not meet with the approval
OF those for whom the legislation Is
Intended. 1t is personal question
with every farmer. sor he should be
made responsible by law for weeds
growing on his premises. at least to
the extent of not allowing them to
spread to neighboring farms.
IT everyone realized the full impor-
tance Of the weed menace to the
northwest. it would be necessary for
such things to be legislated upon.
However. in many cases, where land
1s owned by non-residents, who do
not give this matter proper consider
alton. there should be ways and means
provided for doing it for them.
Sow Thistle the Greatest Menace.
Quack grass. mustard and such
weeds that have heavy seeds. or
propagate by underground root stocks.
may be considered as personal prop
erty. That is, If they are growing on
farm they will stay there unless they
are carried away. The seeds may be
dr1fted by the snow to slight extent,
but they do not float about in the
air. and travel miles and miles. as
does the seed Of the SOW thistle. IT
is also true that there is greater fear
OF the sow thistle, because of it. he
Ing harder to eradicate, and more
detrimental. II possible, than other
weed
Weeds Cut Down the Yield.
It must be that the destructive in
nuence Of the weeds in the fields are