ANALYSIS OF FLAX SOILS IN CONCLUSION. 



Following is the result of analyses made by Sir Robert Kane, of four excellent Flax 

 soils : Nos. I, 2 and 3 being Irish, and No. 4, Belgian : 



It should be added that the organic matter, which ranged from 2.74 to 9.41 per cent, 

 was rich in nitrogen, which fact, of course, had much to do with the fertility of the soils. 



IN CONCLUSION. 



This pamphlet being intended especially as a treatise on Flax growing, for the benefit 

 of farmers interested in that industry, I do not enter into a discussion of the different 

 methods of " retting," and preparing the fiber for market. As I have heretofore intimated, 

 this cannot be undertaken by the farmer without adding greatly to his labors, which in many 

 instances are already too onerous. The preparation of the fiber belongs to the province of 

 the manufacturer, and requires, in addition to a thorough knowledge of the various processes, 

 the employment of expensive machinery. Therefore, in the development of this important 

 industry in the United States, a practical recognition of its natural divisions cannot be 

 ignored, as otherwise it can never attain the proportions commensurate with its value, and 

 with the extraordinary facilities and resources here afforded. 



To the public-spirited and patriotic who are interested in the progress c f American 

 Agriculture, a broad field is open for investigation and profitable enterprise. 



It would appear to be necessary only to call attention to the important facts relating to 

 Flax culture in this country, to create a vital and growing interest in the subject. We may 

 hope that ere long the formation of a Society for the promotion of Flax culture in this 

 country will be found desirable. Such an organization would have a powerful influence and 

 grand opportunities. It might readily give such an impetus to a most important industry 

 as to increase the wealth of the nation by many millions of dollars annually. 



Then, instead of American Flax culture remaining a synonym for gross waste, in the 

 destruction of vast quantities of valuable raw material, it would speedily become one of the 

 most popular and profitable of our agricultural industries. 



