Report of the In.sjxrhjr itf Uural Lidnstries. .'2<59 



thought desirable to purchase a few bags and distribute it, with in- 

 structions as to its trentment. This has been done with the result 

 that upwards of fifty applicants have I'eceived seed, varying from 

 2 lbs. to 8 bushels each, on condition that an ecpial quantity of seed 

 was to be returned after harvest. This condition has been fulfilled, 

 and the returned seed is being distributed to a[)plicants. 1Miis work 

 has been followed up by giving advice as to manipulating the crop 

 for fibre and oil-production. The beneficial effects of this cannot be 

 doubted as Hax, when its cultivation is properly understood, must 

 take its place amongst ordinary fiirin ])r()ducts. 



Fi.AX Mach[Xki;v. 



As the treatment of flax for fi])re making purposes is not generally 

 understood, it was thought desirabh' to send around machinery to the 

 different growers who wished to obtain full information as to the 

 treatment of this valuable product. 



This has been done, the plant consists of an oil-engine, kindly 

 lent by Messrs. Bennie, Teare and Co., breaker, a pair of scutchers, 

 and a roller or b(dl-crusher, generally described as a thresher, the 

 last three mentioned kindly lent by Messrs. Cliff and Bunting. This 

 may be regarded as all the necessrrv machinery required for the 

 treatment of flax. 



Mr. Robilliard and myself have been engaged in giving instruction 

 in retting, a process which extends over three or four weeks, and also 

 in preparing fibre for market, and it is pleasing to note that great 

 interest has been taken in this work. The machinery is now working 

 at Yinnar in the Gippsland district, and here may be seen a farmer 

 with his family of boys ]ireparing fibre most successfully. The value 

 of instruction of this kind cannot be over estimated, as its practical 

 nature leaves no doubt whatever as to what can be done in the way of 

 fibre production. There are several applications for this machinery 

 from growers. In s(»me cases the flax straw has been prepared under 

 the direction and supervision of the officers of this branch. 



It is pleasing to note, also, that the flax produced by this travel- 

 ling plant has given satisfaction to the purchaser, who speaks in the 

 highest tei'ms of its quality. \ think it desirable to mention this, in 

 order to show that the extraction of hbre does not require a long- 

 apprenticeship . 



DisruiBUTioN oi' SSeeds. 



During the past year many enquiries have been made for agri- 

 cultural seeds. This, no doubt, is attributable to the severe drought 

 experienced, and the necessity for providing fodder for starving- 

 stock. Large quantities of millets and sorghums of all available 

 kinds, salt-bush, etc., have been sent out to various localities. 



A quantity of Egyptian Clover seed was im])orted last year by the 

 Department. This has been delivered free on application, with the 

 result that 455 parcels of 1 lb. each were forwai-ded for trial in 



