10 April, 1919.] The Flax InduHtry. 225 



that neither proved as suitable for the production of fibre and seed 

 as that introduced many years ago, and from which satisfactory yields 

 have been obtained; consequently the former varieties have been 

 discarded and the latter retained and is the only one at present grown 

 in this State for commercial purposes and recommended for cultivation. 

 It is interesting to note, however, that during the past year experi- 

 ments in the matter of seed selection have been made at the Werribee 

 Research Farm, a short account of which, with illustrations, appeared 

 in last month's journal. The experiments at Werribee will, no doubt, be 

 carried out on a larger scale during the coming season, and it is hoiped 

 that more suitable or better yielding kinds may be obtained. 



Cutting Flax Crop at Mr. E. R. Morton's. 



Seeding. 



Victorian experience covering a number of years has shown that, 

 under normal conditions, the best time for sowing is during the latter 

 part of April or the first week in May; (but in very late districts or 

 moist situations the time may be varied somewhat fo suit local con- 

 ditions. J^evertheless, early sowing is strongly recomm3nded, the object 

 being to have strong, well-rooted, and firmly-established plants hefore 

 depth of winter, which would be ready to make rapid growth with the 

 approach of warmer weather. Early sowing is likely to produce a tall 

 crop and consequently long fibre, and in the event of caterpillars being 

 plentiful, the bolls or seed, of which they are very fond, should be so 

 far matured that the pest will leave it for more succulent food. A 

 fibre crop requires to be sown thickly, so as to insure tall stalks with 

 feAV 'branches, and for this purpose from 56 to 60 lbs. of seed per acre 

 is recommended, though some growers sow up to 65 lbs. The seed 

 should preferably he sown broadcast, and this can be done with an 

 ordinary drill, by lifting the tubes and allowing the seed to fall on a 

 board and scatter. 



3911.-2 



