Art. LI.—On the Presence of some Noxious Weeds in Nelson District.

By R. I. Kingsley.

[Read before the Nelson Philosophical Society, 12th March, 1894.]

Arctvum minor, the lesser English burdock.

This plant, to which attention has been called as being dangerous to stock eating it, is growing in several places. I have found it on the Fringe Hill, on the Dun Mountain track, on the Port Hills, in the Maitai Valley, and lately I noticed it growing luxuriantly at Ferntown, near the foot of the Colliery incline, and apparently spreading.

Carduus arvensis, English corn-thistle (the so-called Californian thistle of settlers).

This is growing in fair abundance on the Port Road, and also in Hastings Street, Nelson. The spreading of this plant would be a very serious calamity to the farmers of the district, for, being a perennial, and possessing a creeping rhizome, it is difficult to eradicate. In cornfields in England it sometimes, where it is plentiful, almost completely chokes the corn.

Melilotus arvensis.

A noxious weed—one that spreads rapidly, seeds abundantly, and that cattle will not eat. This is also growing on the Port Road.