FLAX WOOL 83 



exactly the right time. The imperfect methods of genera? 

 cultivation prevent the uniform ripening of the seed, and 

 this means an uneven and unsatisfactory sample. Defective 

 screening accounts for the presence in excess of foreign 

 substances, weed seeds, etc. These difficulties are capable 

 of remedy, and it may reasonably be hoped that when once 

 overcome the cultivation will be extended. 



In Cyprus the cultivation is the same whether intended 

 for seed or fibre, and consequently the latter is of an 

 inferior quality, as is indicated in a report on Cyprus flax 

 published in the BULLETIN OF THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE 

 (vol. vi. 1908, p. 4). Seed is sown in November-December 

 at the rate of 17 to 22 okes per donum. Retting is done 

 by steeping in the large stone irrigation tanks which are a 

 feature on most farms. In the Messaoria, about Ano and 

 Kato Zodia, where flax is commonly grown, the plant is 

 retted in the river Ovgos, which retains sufficient water 

 usually until August. The yield per donum varies from 

 100 to 300 okes of seed, 80 to 100 okes of fibre and 50 to* 

 70 okes of tow. 



Wool 



The exports of wool for the three last pre-war years 

 were as follows : 



Year. Quantity. Value. 



Cwts. 



I9H .... 5,535 13,452 



1912 .... 4,627 11,362 



1913 .... 4,707 12,181 



This went chiefly to France, and next, though in much 

 smaller quantities, to Italy. 



The wool is of moderate quality ; this is partly due to 

 the breed of sheep and partly to the conditions under 

 which they are kept. Attempts have been made by the 

 Agricultural Department to impress on the native breeders 

 the necessity of keeping the sheep well fed, and experi- 

 ments have been carried out at the Athalassa Experimental 

 Farm for the purpose of demonstrating the advantages of 

 careful rearing. 



