22 BULLETIX 1092, U. S. DEPARTMEISTT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The method of selection now used is based on a comparison by per- 

 centages of the various characters regarded as important and similar 

 characters of the best strain used as a check. 



In a semicommercial test the pedigreed strains proved to be su- 

 perior to commercial fiber flax. 



The supply of seed of the best pedigreed strains has been in- 

 creased by growing two crops in one year. 



Efforts are now being made to combine the desirable characters 

 of different strains by cross-pollination. A special score card and 

 special instruments for cross-pollinating and for measuring flax have 

 been devised. 



