FLAX. 131 



hemp, thinly, bj iiself, for seeda and then the rest of 

 the crop maj be all pulled or cut together. 



If hemp be suffered to stand after the right time for 

 pulling, the stalks of the male wither and blacken, and 

 then the coat is but of Uttle value. 



FLAX. 



Such crops of flax as are usually raised do not pay 

 for the labour bestowed on them. As this is a crop that 

 the farmer must raise, if he has any regard to domestic 

 ecoiiomy, the means of raising it to advantage should be 

 closely attended to. 



Soils most suitable for flax are those of the deep 

 loamy kinds, and such as contain a large proportion of 

 vegetable mould. On strong loamy clays that have been 

 well broken down and reduced by tillage, it has also been 

 found to answer well. The sandy or very light gravelly 

 lands are improper. But whatever the nature of the 

 soil may be, it should neither contain too large a pro- 

 portion of moisture, nor be too dry ; but have the mould 

 in a fine and well pulverized condition. Such lands as 

 are situated rather low, as upon the banks of rivers, 

 are found to be well adapted to flax. The best prepa- 

 ratory crops in this country, at present, appear to be 

 potatoes, corn and roots, if they have been well manu- 

 red ; particularly if pains be taken to prevent any weeds 

 going to seed in the fall. 



In the preparation of the land, as it is necessary that 

 it should be made perfectly fine, it must be repeatedly 

 ploughed over, with a shallow furrow, and broken down 

 by harrowing. Sometimes it is successfully raised on 

 grass land when ploughed early in autumn, and properly 

 prepared in the spring. No dung should be applied to 

 the land when the flax is sown, but may be pyt on boun- 

 tifully with the previous crop. The objection is, that 

 dung forces the gi*owth so rapidly that the plants are 

 weak and liable to lodge. Lime, shells, leached ashes, 

 &,c. do not produce such effects. Top dressings soon af- 

 ter the plants appear, of plaister, ahes, soot, &c. arc 

 highly beneficial, as they increase the growth, and de- 

 stroy worms. In addition to the above, it is requisite, 

 that the ground shall not have borne flax for about seven 

 years previous to sowing. Because when not pulled in 



