FLAX. 95 



The commodity is then easily enough spun 

 into thread, twisted into ropes, or woven into 

 cloth, according to the required purpose. 



Hemp-seeds are used as food for poultry; 

 and an oil, of some value, is obtained from 

 them. The inner woody stalks (for it is the 

 bark only which is manufactured) are used in 

 countries, where fuel is scarce, by the poorer 

 classes, instead of wood. 



FLAX is another herbaceous plant, but of a 

 much finer fibre and quality than hemp, and 

 capable also of being bleached to snowy white- 

 ness. Need I say that linen is hence obtained 1 



It is supposed that this incalculably useful 

 plant originally came from Egypt. Cotton, it 

 is true, now supplies largely its place, and is 

 every year making the demand for flax still 

 less. 



