468 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



wear shoes with thin soles and without nails, in order to prevent the plants from being 

 crushed and broken, as they are quite tender at this period. It is well for the weeders to 

 face the wind during the process, so that the plants that become bent in the operation may 

 be blown upright again. When plants are bent only one way they usually recover their 

 position again ; but if crushed or twisted by the carelessness of the weeders, they scarcely 

 ever rise. Once weeding is sufficient, and it should always be done when the soil is moist. 

 When the weeding has been delayed until the plants are seven or eight inches high, it is 

 better to let this process be omitted, as the injury to the plants will be greater than that to 

 the weeds. It is important that the weeds be taken out at the right time, that the crop may 

 get the advantage of them in the occupancy of the land. Some farmers are particular not 

 to have a team upon the land after sowing, hence perform the after-labor of harrowing or 

 brushing in the seed by hand. This crop has few insect enemies, and with careful culture, 

 and a favorable season, will almost invariably bring good results. 



Cultivation for Seed. When the object of the crop is mainly the production of 

 flax seed, although the preparation of the soil should be the same as when grown for the 

 fiber, the quantity of seed sown should be much less than that for the fiber product, for rea 

 sons which have previously been given, namely, that thick sowing produces plants with tall, 

 straight stalks, fine fiber, and but a small quantity of seed, while thin sowing results in plants 

 of coarser growth, with spreading branches and a larger product of seed bolls. The bolls 

 will also be better filled, and the seed more plump and of a larger size. 



The principal difference in the cultivation for the two objects for which flax is grown is, 

 therefore, in the quantity of seed sown, and the time of harvesting ; the methods of treat 

 ment aside from these, being essentially the same. 



When the crop is grown for the seed principally, from half a bushel to a bushel of seed 

 per acre will be sufficient ; the quantity depending somewhat upon the nature and condition 

 of the soil, and the quality of the seed. Only the best quality of seed should be sown, for 

 that of a poor quality will invariably give unsatisfactory results, however good the soil or 

 cultivation given. 



Harvesting. The time when flax is ready to be harvested is one of the important 

 considerations in connection with its cultivation. If harvested too soon, the fiber will be very 

 fine ; but there will be great waste in the after-preparation for the market. If the harvesting 

 be delayed too late, there will be a larger quantity of fiber, but it will be of a coarse quality. 

 The proper time to gather the crop for fiber is when the seed is beginning to turn slightly 

 brown, and the lower half of the stalks are turned yellow. If harvested when flowering, 

 the fiber will be exceedingly fine, but the waste will be so great as to render it unprofitable. 



When grown for seed, it should not be harvested until the seeds are quite brown and 

 ripe. If cut before they are sufficiently ripened, the unripe seed will not afterward mature*. 



In order to obtain a good weight, and seed of the best quality, the crop should not be 

 gathered until the seeds are full and plump, as well as brown. The former method of harvest 

 ing flax was to pull it by hand, which was a very laborious process, besides requiring a great 

 deal of time. At present, reapers and binders are employed for this purpose where it is culti 

 vated on a large scale. Machines for pulling have also been used to a limited extent, but the 

 reapers are preferred for general use. The common grain cradle and scythe are also used, while 

 some still conform to the old-time practice of pulling by hand. When the fiber is the important 

 part of the crop, and reapers and binders are employed, it should be cut as close to the ground 

 as possible, care being taken to have the knives of the reaper in good condition. It will 

 then cut as easily as wheat. If bound by the reaper, it should be put in small stacks to dry. 

 When properly dried, it may be put in a large stack, or stored under cover, which latter is 

 best. It is very important that it be thoroughly cured before storing. When cradled or 



