301 



Nor ought the chafF from the bolls and broken stalks from the fibre to 

 be lost sight of, as they may be fairly set against the straw and chaff of 

 other crops. 



Machinery. 



Through the instrumentality of the National Association your Com- 

 mittee have the gratification of recording the introduction of the first 

 flax-scutching mill into England, and, at the same time, of the first 

 portable one into the world ; and also a breaking machine, which are 

 described in the following extract from the Norwich papers : — 



" Flax. — The exhibition of the scutching mill and breaking machine 

 at Aylsham, last week, was numerously attended by gentlemen who 

 take an interest in the cultivation and manufacture of this important 

 plant. The mill resembles a small caravan or show, on opening the 

 doors of which three l-ecesses, not unlike sentry boxes, are seen. These 

 are formed for the men to stand in while at work, and for their protec- 

 tion from the action of the swingles, which being placed upon an iron 

 axle and set in motion, strike the flax at the rate of about twelve hun- 

 dred times in a minute, the flax being held over boards placed perpendi- 

 cularly and attached to the frame-work. The breaker consists of four 



Flax-Ureakiiig Machiin 



