2 1 8 Flax. [Sess. 



IV.— FLAX (LINUM USITATISSIMUM). 



By Mr WM. FOKGAN. 



{Read Jan. 27, 1897.) 



The object of this paper was chiefly to exhibit specimens of a 

 few of the articles in everyday use in our households, and 

 specially one article of headdress now rarely worn by women, 

 at least in the Lowlands, all of which were manufactured from 

 flax. The botanical name of the plant, Linum usitatissimum, 

 simply means the most common lint or flax. A description 

 was given, chiefly from the writer's personal knowledge, of the 

 cultivation, growth, and after-treatment of the flax, both in 

 the field and in the manufacture of it into linen yarn. Special 

 reference was made to the weaving of it into cloth, and a few 

 reminiscences of the liandloom weavers of fifty and sixty years 

 ago were given. Their poorly-paid work, the hardships they 

 suffered, and their uncomplaining conduct in the most try- 

 ing circumstances, were alluded to. They were practically 

 masters of their own time, and this led them to form strong 

 opinions on the matters which might be agitating the public 

 mind. 



A number of specimens of linen cloth were shown, procured 

 by Mr Adam, a member of the Society, from manufacturers 

 in Dunfermline. The writer made special reference to the 

 " curch " or " curchie," at one time worn by women as a cover- 

 ing for the head, but now almost never seen. This term 

 appears to be a corruption of the word couvrez - chef. It 

 consists in taking a square of cloth of any kind, folding it 

 once diagonally, and then, as a headdress for old women, tying 

 the two acute ends of the double triangle, thus formed, under 

 the chin, allowing the obtuse-angled portion to cover the head. 

 Young women tied the two ends at the back of the head by 

 passing them behind the ears. All wives of commoners were 

 ordained by a statute of James II., just about four hunched 

 years ago, to wear " curchies." Sir Walter Scott, whose know- 

 ledge of ancient Scottish customs was so extensive, alludes to 

 them in ' Old Mortality.' It will be remembered that when 



