194 PLANTS USED IN THE ARTS. 



CHAPTER XX. 



PLANTS USED IN THE ARTS AND MANUFACTURES. 



679. Plants used in the arts are most commonly divided 

 into three classes: 1. Oleaginous plants, or those raised 

 especially for their oils ; 2. Textile plants, or those raised 

 chiefly for their fibre ; and 3. Plants used in the pro 

 cesses of dyeing, tanning, and various manufactures. 



680. The only plant raised to any extent in this country 

 for its oil is flax, which is also cultivated for its fibre. 

 The seed is ground and the oil pressed out, leaving what 

 is called linseed cake, which when ground or broken up 

 fine is known as linseed meal, a valuable food for stock. 

 The oil obtained from it is known as linseed oil, exten 

 sively used in mixing paints and for other purposes, and 

 always sells readily at a good price. 



681. Flax flourishes in a great variety of climates, and 

 as it grows very rapidly and requires but a short time to 

 complete its growth, may be cultivated in high northern 

 latitudes. The soil on which it is sown should be rather 

 light, or at least not very stiff and heavy. A light loam 

 inclining to sand, which may be deeply and easily tilled 

 and kept clean of weeds, is best. 



682. But the choice of soil should depend on the 

 object in view. If flax is raised principally for the seed, 

 it can hardly be too rich and well-manured. But if the 

 plant be grown mainly for fibre, a very rich soil is objected 

 to, as it makes the fibre rank and coarse. 



683. Old and well-rotted barn manures may be used 

 lor this crop, and lime, ashes, or other substances 



