78 



The produce of flax per acre is very uncertain, it being a crop 

 that depends so much on a good or bad season; in general 

 from 30 to 50 stones per acre. I have had 70 stones grown ; 

 and, from a bad season, I have seen the crop not worth reaping. 

 The quantity of seed produced per acre is from 8 to 16 bushels. 

 I have known 1 6 bushels of seed, and upwards of 40 stones of 

 flax from the same acre; but look upon 12 bushels of seed, and 

 30 stones per acre, to be about the average, if the season has 

 been a favourable one. 



I do think a great part of the West Riding adapted to the 

 growth of flax, and also that the culture of it has of late been 

 considerably extended. From my own experience, I am con- 

 vinced that flax is not an impoverishing crop, for it is generally 

 reaped the latter end of July, which enables the farmer to 

 make a good fallow of his land ; and the crop that succeeds it, 

 whether wheat or spring corn, seldom, if ever, fails. 



Expenses upon an Acre of Flax. 



1799. 



Agriculture in the County of Ar gyle, by John Smyth, D.D. 



Few things would contribute more to the advantage of this 

 county than the raising a great quantity of flax, for which 

 our soil and climate are well adapted. Our climate is warm 

 and moist ; and we have a great deal of good sandy loam, 



