TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION \. 649 
shown that sucha column of soil will behave (statistically speaking) as a bundle of 
capillary tubes, varying from a maximum radius depending on the size of the largest 
soil-grains down to others extremely minute. The water will rise in cach capillary 
to a height inversely proportional to its radius, equilibrium being rapidly attained 
in the larger tubes; but, as the frictional resistance varies inversely as the fourth 
power of the radius, the rate of rise in the smallest tubes will steadily slacken but 
will not absolutely cease within any finite time. 
This rise without limit is in conflict with the generally accepted opinion, and 
Hilgard® quotes a series of experiments by Loughridge, in which the final heights 
recorded (after several months) are regarded as maxima for the soils concerned. 
The rate of rise in his experiments may be shown to be inversely proportional to the 
time ; i.e., dh/dt=k/t or h=A+B log.t. From the examples illustrated in the graph 
in the accompanying diagram it is clear that any apparent limit to h within a reasonable 
time or variation from a linear function can only be due to initial disturbances or 
other accidental errors. 
With a view to a further and more accurate investigation the author has arranged 
a laboratory draught-cupboard so that it can be maintained at a constant temperature 
for several months at a time. 
Experiments have been carried out on the rate of rise of water in soils of different 
types; and the dependence of K (the capillary power) on S and @/S and on the sizes 
of the soil-grains has been investigated. : 
(v.) Flax as a Paying Crop. By C. P. Oamvim. 
Flax destined for fibre has to be cultivated on different lines from that of 
flax-seed or linseed (as it is usually called). Should seed be required, flax is 
sown thinly, about a bushel and a half per acre—by planting thinly the stem has 
a chance to branch out and flower. 
If fibre is the chief object the seed is planted closer—about two or two 
and a half bushels per imperial acre—the result being the drawing up of the 
stalks with little tendency to branch. 
The total of the last available figures shows that the world’s flax crop (includ- 
ing Russia for 1911) was grown on over four and a half million acres, which 
produced over 800,000 tons. 
In 1912 Russia alone had 3,832,056 acres under cultivation, which produced 
817,871 tons, and out of this she exported 345,216 tons, realising 11,432,954/. To 
the United Kingdom she sent 68,500 tons, valued at 3,474,187/. 
In Ireland there are nearly 1,000,000 spindles at work, over 7,000,000/. are 
sunk in mills, machinery, etc., and 5,300,000/. are constantly locked up in 
manufactured goods; 3,300,000/. are annually paid to Trish fibre-workers. 
Tt would seem, therefore, that the agricultural part of the business is assured, 
but it is not so. f 
In England and Scotland flax has almost ceased to be grown, and the acreage 
in Ireland has been reduced from 301,693 in 1864 to 46,921 in 1912. The acreage 
cultivated in 1913 was, however, increased. 
Within the last two or three years great strides have been made in our know- 
ledge, and Governments are assisting colleges and others in studying the history 
and habits of flax. 
By constant attention and selection longer straw which will not branch until 
full height will be secured. A steady growth produces best fibre, and small 
clean stems will produce the finest filaments. The root itself has no fibrous 
tissues. 
The fibres are surrounded by pectose, and He in bundles containing varying 
numbers of filaments. 
The process of separating fibre from the boon and rind has engaged many 
minds. Artificial means and chemistry have been employed without end. 
Recently a new method has been tried upon the principle of solvency under 
pressure, and has proved highly successful 
The old process of retting and scutching was explained. 
8 Soils, P- 205. 
