68 The Cultivation of Flax in Tasmania. 
which it would command so long as the supply raised did 
not exceed the quantity required to meet the wants of the 
colony. | 
The following observations have been noted during the 
experience of five years :-— 
Ist. That the climate is well adapted to the growth and pre- 
paration of Flax. A late author, in writing on its culture in 
Treland, says—‘ The humidity of our climate, though favour- 
able to the Flax crop in the early stages of its growth, is, 
however, a serious drawback as it approaches maturity, often 
laying down the heaviest and most promising crops, which 
should then be pulled, however green the Flax may be, as it 
spoils rapidly by lying on the ground. Again in the autumn, 
when the succeeding operations are being performed to pre- 
pare it for market. In the grassing, especially, much mjury 
is frequently sustained by wind and wet weather, during 
which the crop cannot be taken up; and under our present 
course of management contributes to the production of the 
very inferior quality which the Irish farmer generally brings 
to market.” Yet Ireland raises some 40,000 tons, ranging 
from £45 to £120 per ton. I need hardly say the causes 
here lamented are not applicable to this climate. The dif- 
ferent processes of pulling, steepmg, and grassing may be 
carried on from January to April without loss of time or 
material. 
2nd. That any fair soil on which wheat can be sown will 
produce good crops of Flax ; the best crops being on land 
having a retentive subsoil. Some of our best crops have 
been on stiff clayey land ; and yet, 
srd. Although it delights in moisture, it is not so liable to 
injury from extreme drought as grain crops are; convincing 
proof of which was had last season. At the latter end of 
August, 20 acres were sown with Flax ; and a short time pre- 
