( 14 ) 
of it sown; for we have invariably observed, that if 
flaxseed (wherever grown) be sown thinly, the stem 
is shorter; the fibre coarser, and the seed more abun- 
dant—and vice versa. This difference will necessa- 
rily be increased by different modes of culture. The 
row husbandry, admitting of more ventilation, will 
hasten more the maturity of the plant, and increase 
the quantity and quality of the seed; whereas the 
broad cast method will, on the other hand, retard the 
maturity of the plant, lengthen the stem and the fi- 
bre that covers it, and in the same proportion dimi- 
nish the quantity of seed. | 
Flax may be made to follow potatoes very advan- 
tageously ; and we have seen the practice of sowing 
it with a crop of that kind, earnestly recommend- 
ed.(1) 
The time for harvesting flax depends on the con- 
siderations suggested above. If seed be the prinei- 
pal end of the crop, your harvesting ought not to 
begin till this is completely ripe; whereas if the fibre 
be your main object, pull the flax two or three weeks 
earlier. Flax thus prematurely pulled is called 
white flaa:, and makes the finest thread. The ex- 
hausting quality of this plant is generally admitted, 
and has been long known. Pliny says of it, that it 
burns and degrades the soil in return for the nourish- 
ment it receives from it.(2) 
Of Hemp. 
The cultivation of this plant need not be atletnpt- 
(1) See 2d vol. Varla's husbandry. 
(2) * Ut sentiamus nolente id fieri natura urit agrum deterioremque etiam teyram 
facit.” Nat. Hist. L, xix. 
