WEEDING.
What are some of the uses of weeds? Their disadvantages?
If a farmer were asked—what is the use of weeds? he might make out quite a list of their benefits, among which might be some of the following:—
1. They shade tender plants, and in a measure serve as a mulch to the ground.
2. Some weeds, by their offensive odor, drive away many insects.
3. They may serve as a green crop to be plowed into the soil, and increase its organic matter.
4. They make us stir the soil, and thus increase its fertility.
Still, while thinking out these excuses for weeds, he would see other and more urgent reasons why they should not be allowed to grow.
1. They occupy the soil to the disadvantage of crops.