54 LABORATORY MANUAL IN FIELD CROPS 



PRACTICUM NO. 42 

 Object. A Study of the Flax. 



Materials. Dried culms of the flax, a sample of mature seed. 

 If possible have an exhibit of the different processes through 

 which the flax goes in the manufacture of linen. 



Method. Examine the mature plants and describe by com- 

 paring with the other grain crops. 



1. What parts are used for the manufacture of the linen? 



2. Describe briefly the processes used in obtaining the 

 fibers. 



3. Examine samples of flax seed and score according to the 

 following score card : 



Weight per bushel 30 



Uniformity 5 



Color 10 



Purity 5 



Plumpness 15 



Luster 5 



Odor 5 



Weed seed 10 



Dirt 5 



Injured kernels 2 



Weathering 8 



Total 100 



Explanation of the points : 



Weight per bushel (56 pounds), important; determine by 

 grain tester. 



Uniformity : seeds of same shape and size. 



Color : distinct for each variety. 



Purity: distinguished by size, shape, color, trueness to 

 type. 



