224 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. \ 10 April, 191J>. 



Flax Cultivation. 



(Linuni Usitatissimum.) 



It is commonly stated that it is impossible to iproducc a good grade 

 of flax fibre without sacrificing the seed. This, however, is a mis- 

 conception, and European authorities are now advocating the produc- 

 tion of both from the same crop. This practice has been followed in 

 Victoria, and where the climatic conditions are suitable the resulting 

 fibre is found to be of satisfactory quality, and compares xcry favorably 

 with that grown in other countries. 



Climatic Conditions. 



The successful growing of a crop from which hoth fibre and seed 

 may be profitably obtained requires an annual rainfall of from 26 

 inches upwards, with a reasonable proportion distributed throughout 

 the growing period and preferably with frequent showers in spring; 

 though if seed only he the object, it may be successfully grown in dis- 

 tricts having a somewhat lesser rainfall. 



Soil. 



Flax will grow on a Avide range of soils, but a warm, reasonably free 

 soil is required, in a good state of fertility, well drained and free from 

 Aveeds. It is, therefore, rather difficult to name any particular class of 

 land as really the best. A very good soil, however, is a chocolate or 

 rich and fairly deep loam overlying a well-drained clay subsoil, while 

 extremes of clay, light sand, wet, or poor land of any description should 

 be avoided. 



As a further guide to suitable soil, situation, and climatic con- 

 ditions, it may be stated that, generally speaking, flax will probably 

 give satisfactory returns on land that is capable of producing a heavy 

 crop of oaten hay. 



Preparation of 5eed Bed. 



The land should be clean, or as nearly as possible free from all 

 kinds of weeds, but more especially strong or tall-growing ones, such as 

 wild turnip, dock, thistle, &c. If they appear after growth has com- 

 menced they must be cut out at the most suitable period, for weeds not 

 only occupy space that should be growing flax, but cause considerable 

 trouble and loss in the treatment of the fibre. 



It is very necessary that the soil should be well worked, thoroughly 

 pulverized to a fine tilth, and made as level as practicahle, thus ensuring 

 an even depth when sowing, a more uniform growth of ]ilants, greater 

 ease in harvesting, and permitting the crop to be cut lower than would 

 otherwise be the case, resulting in a heavier yield and longer fibre. 



Varieties. 



Several varieties are cultivated commercially, some of which ai'e 

 grown for seed purposes only and considered unsuitable for fibre, while 

 others are grown for fibre, or, for the dual purpose of both fibre and 

 seed. 



Some years ago ahout half-a-dozen varieties, including both blue 

 and white flowering sorts, were introduced and tested, but it is stated 



