162 
PROFITS OF THE CULTURE OF FLAX IN GREAT BRITAIN. 
Mr. Nichols gives an estimate of the value to the grower of 
an acre of Flax; observing that, “although any such estimate 
must at best be uncertain, depending as it does upon variable 
contingencies, it may nevertheless not be without its use in 
this place. 
“The produce of Flax per acre, under a good system of cul- 
tivation, is generally found to be from 40 to 50 stone—although 
60 stone is not unfrequently obtained; and this quantity has, 
in several instances, been grown in Norfolk within the last few 
years. Forty stone per acre may, therefore, I think, be 
assumed as a safe average. The price for Flax of average 
quality may fairly be taken at 7s. 6d. per stone of 14 ]b.; but 
that of the finer qualities is much higher. The general yield 
of seed per acre is from 16 to 24 bushels, but it sometimes 
rises to 80 bushels— and 20 bushels may, therefore, be taken 
as a moderate average. The price of Linseed varies from 8s. 
to 10s. per bushel for the finest sorts for sowing, to 6s. and 7s. 
for the common kind, such as is used for crushing and cattle 
feeding; 7s. per bushel may, therefore, be assumed as a fair 
average. Against these estimations must be placed the rent of 
the land, and the charge of cultivation and preparing the fibre 
for market. The amount for an acre of Flax will then stand 
as follows: 
£sd £ os. da. 
Rent, rates, and taxes . - 110 0 | 40 stone of flax, at 7s.6d. .15 0 0 
2} bushels of seed, at 9s. 1 2 6 20 bushels of seed, at 7s. 7 0 0 
Tillage 1 0 O. Chaff, refuse, flax, andtow . 10 0 
Pulling, steeping, &e. 110 0 NTE i 
Beetling 20 bushels of seed, 2a TD 
at ls., and re-tying the flax 1 0 0 Deduct outlay 10 2 6 
Breaking and scutching 40 st., é : ~ 
Leaving a balance in favour of 
ab 2% per stone i ee the grower, of . Fi £12 7 6 
£10 2 6 
“Making every allowance,” Mr. Nichols concludes, “ for 
unfavorable seasons, and the other contingencies to which Flax 
growing, in common with all other agricultural operations, is 
subject, a profit of £10 or £12 per acre may, I think, be 
