263 



this means more knowledge would be disseminated than could 

 be obtained from a multitude of written descri}3tions. And, 

 although I shall endeavour, from time to time, to afford inform- 

 ation with my pen, I strongly advise the formation of local 

 societies to defray the expenses consequent upon instruction ; 

 which, once obtained, the fear of trouble, risk, and loss, would 

 merge in the happy possession of those benefits that were un- 

 attainable through any other source. 



Except for the manufacture of cambric and fine lawn, flax 

 is easy of culture. It will grow upon any soil, flourish in any 

 climate, and ensure success to every grower who manures his 

 land and tills it well. 



After the seed has been sown, no more care is required than 

 is usually paid to other crops, till the time of harvest, when, 

 instead of being mowed, it is pulled up by the roots, partially 

 weathered, tied into sheaves, and stacked like wheat. This is a 

 safe and common practice, though there are some variations, 

 which I shall hereafter particularize. My present object is, 

 first, to offer directions for — 



Pkeparing the Land, than which nothing can be more 

 simple ; for, if the field destined for flax has been ploughed 

 the full depth, previous to the frost, it will only be necessary 

 to reduce the surface to a garden-like state, by harrowing, sca- 

 rifying, and rolling ; it being scarcely possible to render the 

 land too fine. 



In order to ensure a first-rate crop, it will be necessary, 

 during the above process, to sow six or eight bushels per acre 

 of bone-dust, and about two cwt. of real guano, by which means 

 they will be intimately mixed with the soil ; or, if bone-dust 

 cannot be had, the guano might be increased to three or four 

 cwt. per acre. But about eight loads of good farm-yard ma- 

 nure, well decomposed and mixed with mould, is much to be 

 preferred. Where land is in a previously rich state, less ma- 

 nure will, of course, be required ; but if it has only been 

 slightly ploughed, a repetition will be necessary, as well as of 

 the scarifying, &c. Small pieces of grass and roots of weeds 

 left by the harrows should be gathered up, and a light roll 

 drawn over the land before. 



Sowing the Seed, in order that it may fall upon an even 



