274 AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 



from weeds, as the flax-plant is delicate and easily smothered ; 

 land containing much organic matter, as rich prairie ; and either 

 naturally, or artificially abounding in lime. Lime, ashes, and 

 well rotten manure may always be used to advantage, (b,) 

 Plow deep, as soon as the crop is off the field in the fall. Where 

 frosts are severe, it is advantageous to throw the land up in 

 ridges, so as to allow entire disintegration. In the spring, plow 

 again, four or five inches deep ; or if the soil is tenacious and 

 weedy, plow twice in the spring. The object is to render the 

 land really friable, and exterminate the weeds as thoroughly as 

 possible ; and this may be done in any manner that the farmer 

 finds the most expedient. Harrow lightly, (c,) Sow broad 

 cast, 2^- to 3 bushels per acre of seed, and harrow thoroughly 

 both ways. With thick sowing the fibre is of greater length 

 and fineness than in thin sowing ; in the first case, the stem 

 grows tall and straight producing little seed ; in the latter the 

 plant grows coarse, producing much seed, and a very inferior 

 quality of fibre. As thin and thick sowing are merely com 

 parative terms, experiments should be tried by each farmer in 

 order to ascertain the best quantity on his own land. The seed 

 should be deposited about an inch deep. Finish by rolling, 

 which is considered essential, (d,) The field is kept clean of 

 weeds by the close thick growth of the plant&amp;gt; or by hand-weeding. 

 (e,) If intended for the fibre, much experience is required in 

 harvesting; as the marketable value of the straw depends alto 

 gether on the manner in which it is saved. The degree of ripe 

 ness is of peculiar importance. In Ireland, the best time is de 

 cided to be when the seeds are begining to change from a green 

 to a pale brown, the stalks for two-thirds of their height being 

 yellow. In Europe, it is pulled by hand. In America the 

 crop is often cradled, the scythe being from 18 to 22 inches 

 long. In this case it is recommended to out as soon as the 

 blossoms begin to fall. If intended only for seed, leave till the 

 bolls are generally turned yellow ; and treat like wheat. The 



