FLAX 313 



fibre. For fibre, a moist atmosphere with frequent showers 

 and a moderately low, uniform temperature, gives the best 

 quality. In favoured South African localities it may be grown 

 successfully for fibre. However, the excessive amount of care 

 and labour required will probably preclude its growth for fibre 

 in the Union. 



The requirements for seed production are not nearly so 

 exacting, and although the water requirement of the crop is 

 high, it has been grown in various parts of the Union with 

 good results. 



Soil Kequirements for Fibre. — Uniformity in length, 

 strength, and thickness of fibre is readily affected by a lack 

 of uniformity in the soil. The soil in individual fields should 

 be as uniform as possible. Uniformity in soil for the produc- 

 tion of linseed, however, is not so important. It is a very 

 shallow rooted crop, and if grown on land continuously ex- 

 hausts the upper layer of soil very rapidly. Because of this 

 it is popularly supposed to be an exhaustive crop. Kotative 

 cropping is essential particularly if Flax Wilt {Fusarium lini 

 Bolley) appears as the spores remain viable in the soil for 

 about eight years. Heavy nitrogenous manures must be 

 avoided as well as newly applied barnyard manure, parti- 

 cularly if the crop is to be grown for fibre. The former causes 

 lodging, and the latter uneven growth. In general, soils suit- 

 able for the cereals are suitable for the linseed crop ; the fibre 

 crop, however, must not be grown on calcareous soils, heavy 

 clays, or peaty soils too rich in humus. 



Rotation. — It competes very badly with weeds; conse- 

 quently it follows cleaning crops best, and is often sown on 

 virgin land. It requires a very firm seed-bed, which is one 

 reason why the crop should not follow a green-manuring crop. 

 Further, as its feeding area is limited, the plant-food should 

 be readily available. 



Soil Preparation and Planting. — The land should be as 

 clean as possible, and ploughing should be done some time 

 before planting. The subsequent discing and harrowing pre- 

 paratory to planting should aim at destroying the first crop of 

 weeds, and to get the land firm with a fine surface tilth. 



It may be sown up to the end of December, but early 

 November is considered the best time for the greater part 

 of the Union. It is possible that it may be a profitable winter 

 crop under irrigation. Linseed is often drilled, but more 



