Ferdinand von Mueller

1

Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Cape Weed', Portland guardian and Normanby general advertiser, 17 October 1873, p. 2 (B73.10.04). The text is introduced by a note to the Editor by Atkinson:

'CAPE WEED. Dear Sir—I wrote to Dr Mueller the other day [letter not found] requesting information as to the easiest and most effectual way to destroy that horrible pest, the Cape weed. I enclose the doctor's reply, which, for the public good, I beg you will publish, and draw all the attention you can to it.'

Melbourne, October 12, 1873

The herb called Cape Weed (cryptostemma calendularum

2

Typesetter's error for Cryptostemma calendulaceum?

) is best to be subdued by cutting it when fully in flower, and by repeating that process when the second crop of flowers shows itself. The cut plants must be thrown into heaps or burned or dug in, otherwise much seed would ripen on account of the succulent nature of the plant. Fortunately the cryptostemma is an annual, and when prevented from flowering, or rather seeding, it becomes annihilated. It is also well to sow clover, rye grass, and any other kinds of perennial fodder plants on the pastures, as they will largely prevent any fresh seeds of the cryptostemma to get hold of the ground.