CLIMATE SUITED TO FLAX PLANT. 153 
tempting the culture of Flax in new situations or countries is 
that of climate, though one that is very frequently neglected. 
On this subject, Mr. M‘Adam has made some very just obser- 
vations, which we shall afterwards have occasion to refer to. 
He observes that though the climate of the British Isles is well 
adapted to the growth of this plant, those districts which 
possess the most equable temperature will be found the most 
suitable. A regular supply of genial moisture in spring, with- 
out an excess of wet in autumn, is most favorable. Our climate 
is better adapted to Flax, in some respects, than that of Bel- 
gium, since the severe droughts which frequently occur there 
in spring often destroy the crop. If, after springing to the 
height of two or three inches, a long continuance of drought 
should occur, with a hot sun, the heat parches up the earth, as 
the delicate leaves of the plant are unable to exclude the 
scorching rays from the surface soil, and the roots have not 
penetrated sufficiently deep to secure a supply of moisture. 
“Flax is then in the most critical state; the plant droops, 
turns a whitish yellow, and, if the drought continue long, dies 
on arid tracts of land. In such a case Flax may be beneficially 
watered; and a regular water-cart will go over an acre 
a day.” 
When the plant acquires a sufficient height to thoroughly 
cover the ground, dry weather becomes comparatively harmless ; 
but occasional gentle showers are very needful to produce a 
regular and vigorous growth. “In fact, a slow, steady growth, 
from the germinating of the seed to the maturity of the plant, 
is requisite for the quality and yield of fibre. Hence it is 
found that in countries approaching the northern limits of the 
temperate zone, the short, hot summers induce too rapid growth, 
and, although the quantity of fibre produced is pretty large, it 
is never of a fine reed. This is strongly exemplified by Russia, 
as, out of an export frequently reaching 40,000 to 50,000 tons 
per annum, none sells higher than £48; whereas, in Belgium 
and Holland, the price often reaches £150 and £180 per ton.” 
The best samples of British Flax sell for £65 to £70 per ton, 
or even £85 per ton. 
“ For the same reason, insular climates or long lines of coast, 
whose position insures a more equable temperature and con- 
tinued supply of moisture from spring till autumn, are found 
