DESTRUCTION OF THISTLES IN FRANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 7

DESTRUCTION OF THISTLES IN FRANCE.

The Prefect of the important French agricultural district, Pas-de-Calais, has lately issued the following decree, approved by the Minister of Agriculture, on the subject of tlwj destruction of thistles: — Art. I.— lt is hereby enjoined on every landowner, farmer, or tenant to ' destroy the thistles before they come into flower on all the lands which he- possesses, or which are under his control, as well as on all other parts of his property. The district councils "and all public bodies and private . establishments are placed under the same obligation, so fa r as regards all pro- ' pertiua that belong to then*. Railway--companies are responsible 7 for the land- ' along their lines and abutting their stations, and the chief inspector of. roads, .so . far as regards the roads and lands under . his administration, is ordered to take . the . neoeesaxy measures- to -ensure the destruo- . • tion of .the weed. ' . . ' -~ - . Art. 2. — The work roust be performed by ;

July 1, both on all waste lands and fallow land;- as well as on the cultivated land. Art. 3! — The thistles shaß be cut, mown, or torn up. They shall' be burnt on the spot, except where the presence of houses, farm buildings, stacks, or other reasons render it 'advisable to burn them in anoiher piace. Ait. 4. — An3 r cn3 oontiavening this enactment shall ba summoned before the magistrate. Art. 5. —In default of executing tbe work within the tira.^ ordered by the magistrate, the v. r ork shall bo performed by officials at the expense of the person or persons in default.