MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. 659 



As at present cultivated in Europe and other parts of the world, the 

 limitations as to climate are rather sharply defined. Generally speaking, 

 linseed grows best in the colder parts of the temperate regions. 



In North America the bulk of the linseed is produced in Canada and the 

 northernmost limits of the United States (where the climate is distinctly 

 cold). 



In New Smith Wales the experiments with linseed have been largely 

 conducted in the wheat districts, because the machinery used on the wheat 

 farm is necessary for dealing with the seed crop. In most of these districts 

 the rapid increase of temperature and diminution of the rainfall which 

 characterise the spring and which are so favourable to the production of an 

 excellent sample of wheat, do not seem to be so well suited for the production 

 of linseed. 



In 1918 experiments with linseed were carried out in twenty-thres centres 

 in the State, and in 1919 in forty -one centres. 



The results of these trials are by no means encouraging, although it must 

 be added that both seasons were unfavourable. In most of the trials only 

 a few pounds of linseed per acre were obtained, and even in some favoured 

 localities where 25 bushels of wheat per acre were harvested, only 3 or I 

 bushels of linseed per acre were obtained. 



At Yanco, under irrigation, it has been tried for several years, and the 

 best crop — II bushels per acre — was obtained in 1916. This yield, however, 

 is not considered profitable in comparison with other crops which can be 

 grown on this area under irrigation. 



Although most of these experiments have been made to determine whether 

 profitable crops of linseed can be raised in this State, the crop for fibre or 

 flax has also been kept in view, but no hopeful results have been obtained in 

 this direction, few of the crops making more than 12 or 18 inches of fibre 

 at best. 



Experiments with linseed are still being continued by the Department 

 with a view to determining those districts in which profitable or hopeful 

 results can be obtained. Seed will be supplied gratis to anyone who would 

 like to make a trial with this crop. Application should be made to the 

 Under-Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Sydney. 



