FLAX. 177 



who prefer an exceedingly dry squash. Whether or not tlie 

 Turban has sufficient indurability to retain its present good 

 qualities, and not deteriorate, like the autumnal Marrow, time 

 alone must determine. 



FLAX. 



ESSEX. 



Statement of Mr. E. G. Hyde. 



I measured off a quarter of an acre, and sowed ten pounds of 

 seed. It came up and grew finely ; when I sowed it I was not 

 aware of any premium being offered, or I think I should have 

 put on fifteen pounds to the quarter of an acre, thereby growing 

 a finer quality. In rotting it needs careful attention. I am 

 unable to say at present whether it is a profitable crop. But 

 we know it will be very acceptable when made into cloth. 



Method of Culture — The crop of 1861 was grass to which 

 no manure was applied ; that of 1862 was corn to which four 

 cords of compost to the acre were applied. The soil was a loam ; 

 ploughed in May, six inches deep, spread on about six feet 

 manure, valued at $4, and harrowed it in, then sowed the seed. 

 Cost of ploughing, 11.50, seed and planting, -11.25. I pulled it 

 in August and bound it up in small bundles, and shocked it, to 

 remain in the field about two weeks. Cost of harvesting, $4. • 



WORCESTER. 



The raising of flax, which in the first part of the present cen- 

 tury, formed a part of the crop of every New England farmer, 

 has of late years been entirely neglected. • The events of the last 

 two years have again ^ given it prominence in the minds of the 

 New England farming community, which promises well for their 

 interest. And no where is it more proper than in New England, 

 and especially in Massachusetts, and in the heart of the Com- 

 monwealth, that a prominence should be given to the production 

 of flax, which shall render us second to no other community in 



