LINSEED. -FLAX. 97 



called linseed, yields a valuable drying oil for 

 the painter's use, and for other purposes. A 

 liquor is also obtained from this seed, by means 

 of boiling water, which our nurses call linseed 

 tea, and which is accounted useful for coughs, 

 and other diseases proceeding from irritation of 

 the throat and lungs. 



The flax intended for linen is conveyed in 

 bundles to the place where it is to undergo the 

 process of watering ; there it is thrown into 

 ponds of soft stagnant water, in which it is 

 kept for several days. By this means the bark 

 is detached. The bundles are then laid out on 

 the grass, in regular rows, till the flax separates 

 from the stalks on being rubbed between the 

 hands. After various dressings, similar to 

 those of hemp, it is fit for the manufacturer's 

 use. 



7 1 



