34 FLAX CULTURE AND PREPARATION 



of the plant to remain stagnant after germination, but the 

 application finally results in the production of a weaker 

 fibre. 



33. Muriate of Potash. This has frequently been tried with 

 flax crops and has met with a fair measure of success. The 

 plant rapidly assimilates this kind of nourishment, most 

 probably because the potash in this form is readily soluble 

 in water. 



34. Phosphatic Fertilizers. These produce a coarser and 

 stronger straw but fibre of less relative yield. They are better 

 applied to counteract the excessive action of nitrogen. 



35. Fresh Stable Manures. When used these should be 

 ploughed into the soil during the rotation of the crop preceding 

 the flax crop. If ploughed in during the preparation of the 

 ground for the flax crop, it introduces foreign seeds, resulting 

 in a large increase of weeds, and though it increases the growth 

 of the flax plant, there is not the same corresponding increase 

 of fibre. 



During the various experiments conducted by the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, 

 and others, it has been found that a complete manure usually 

 gives the best results. The proportions per acre are made 

 up as follows: \ cwt. sulphate ammonia, f cwt. muriate of 

 potash or 3 cwt. kainit and 3 cwt. superphosphate. The 

 muriate of potash should be used where possible. 



On soils overstocked with organic matter and producing 

 luxuriant growth, the sulphate of ammonia should be withheld. 

 On some soils the application of 1J cwt. of muriate of potash 

 will alone suffice to give a good return. The observation of 

 the individual farmer of his own land will prove most beneficial 

 in this respect. 



It is a good thing to cart all the liquid manures and sewage 

 on to the field during the period of rotation. 



36. Belgium and Holland. In Belgium the manuring of 

 the rotation crops is as thorough as that performed for garden 

 plots and culture. Heavy dressings of manure are applied 



