A Chara, - Like Frank McNally ("An Irishman's Diary", August 22nd), one of my enjoyable boyhood tasks on the family farm was clearing "buachaillí buí", as ragwort was called. I remember well being complimented by the local guard on his annual farm inspection, before he cycled on the next farm. I would recommend the enjoyable summer task of keeping the countryside clear of noxious weeds to present-day farming families, for their own and their community's welfare, even if they no longer face a fine. - Is mise,
S. Ó CUINN, An Charraig Dhubh, Co Átha Cliath.