H2 FLAX FIBRE 



The ultimate fibres of which the filaments are 

 composed are of regular, more or less cylindrical, 

 form and taper towards the ends. At occasional 

 points in their length, joint-like swellings occur which 

 commonly bear a cross-like marking and are termed 

 " nodes. " The walls of the fibres are so thick that the 

 central cavity or lumen is either very small or almost 

 obliterated, and to this peculiarity the remarkable 

 tenacity of flax is due. The outer surfaces of the walls 

 bear transverse markings, which are of value in pre- 

 venting the fibres from slipping over one another in 

 the spinning process, and also contribute to the 

 durability of linen fabrics. The length of the ultimate 

 fibres ranges from 0-3 to 1-5 in., and the diameter from 

 0-0005 to o'ooi in. 



The yield of flax obtained in different countries 

 varies from 8 to 20 per cent, of the weight of the 

 rippled straw. 



A few words may be added with reference to some 

 of the chief commercial varieties. The Belgian grades 

 are fine, long, and of excellent colour. Irish flax is 

 renowned for its good colour, softness, and fineness. 

 Italian flax is more lustrous than most other kinds. 

 The best French and Dutch grades are also of very 

 satisfactory quality. Russian flax is mostly of good 

 length, but only of medium or low quality. 



COMMERCIAL VALUE 



The average prices of Belgian flax per ton in Belfast 

 during the years 1905-1914 were as follows : 



I 



1905 . . .67 



1906 . . .69 



1907 . . .68 



1908 . . .69 



1909 



68 



1910 . . .73 



1911 '87 



1912 . . .88 



1913 -89 



1914 . . .88 



Irish flax during the same period realised the 

 following average prices per ton : 



