from the fact that on his return to Nairobi this autho- 

 rity immediately formed a Syndicate (in which he was 

 largely interested) to develop the industry by the 

 erection of a factory at Lumbwa, which he selected 

 as being an exceedingly suitable district for the 

 crop. This factory has now been running continu- 

 ously for more than two years, and the figures given 

 later are calculated from actual results. 



Present experience goes to show that the most soil and 

 suitable elevation for flax cultivation lies between elevation. 

 6,000 and 7,500 feet above sea level and it thrives on 

 almost any soil which is not water-logged. At lower 

 altitudes the percentage of fibre appears to be less. 



The crop takes about 3 5^ months on the average RAINFAI,l. 

 to be ready for harvest, and provided it receives 

 sufiicient rainfall during the first two months from 

 seeding, germination will be perfect and the results 

 certain. Owing to the suitable conditions existing 

 here, two crops can be grown in one year. The 

 quality of the fibre depends largely on this early rain- 

 fall, as if it fails the fibre will be of a dry and harsh 

 nature. Rainfall in B.E.A. is consistent in most 

 parts. 



Cultivation should be thorough and the soil re- cultivation. 

 duced to a fine tilth. 



In Lumbwa the practice is now to sow about 100 seeding. 

 lbs. per acre, and not less. Care should be taken 

 that good clean Russian seed should alone be used, 

 and from Riga, Pernau or Selmev for preference. 

 Indian seed is no good for fibre. The seed should 

 be turned in with a light harrow, and the land rolled 

 to a smooth surface to ensure an even growth to the 

 crop. 



Any weeding required should be done when the weeding 

 young crop is not more than 2 inches liigh, after which 

 no attention is required until it is ready to be pulled. 



It is important that pulling should be done pulling. 

 exactly at the right time, and well-grown flax should 

 indicate this by showing a golden colour on the lower 

 part of the stem from which the leaflets have 

 dropped, leaving the upper part of the stem greenish 



45 



