PROPOSED SITES FOR EXPERIMENTS. 171 
good fibre at the same time, but it is the universal rule in all 
countries except Ireland, where we have only been able to get 
the more intelligent farmer to abandon the wasteful practice of 
steeping the Flax stems without removing the seed. The finest 
Flax in the world is grown in Belgium, yet the seed is saved 
from it.” 
But as there is no doubt, from the experiments of the Indian 
Flax Company, and from other more recent facts, such as the 
production of Flax as far south as on the Shevaroy Hills, at 
Jubbulpore, and near Lahore, that Flax can be produced in 
India, it seems desirable to ascertain whether it cannot, by 
careful culture and improved processes, be produced as a 
profitable crop in some parts of the country; because, as I have 
‘before said, “I cannot think that that which is done success- 
fully in Egypt, is impossible in every part of India;” and 
there can be little doubt that, in some places, at least, coarse 
Flax could be produced, as well as some for the paper-makers. 
I am informed that the Messrs. Hamilton, of Mirzapore, 
propose, this year, attempting the culture of Flax, in the tract 
of land of which they have a grant, in the Goruckpore district, 
and which I should consider a more favorable locality than any 
near Mirzapore. I would suggest, that Mr. Williams, at 
Jubbulpore, should be requested to make an experiment, to 
ascertain the quality of the Flax which may be produced in 
that locality, as well as the quantity obtainable per begah or 
acre; attempting at the same time to preserve the seed. Mr. 
Williams has already grown a little Flax, he is accustomed to 
the preparation of fibre, and the soil and climate are both, I 
conceive, more favorable than in most parts of India. 
Twould also recommend that Dr. Jameson, the Superintendent 
of the Botanic Garden at Saharunpore, should be directed to 
make a small experiment, both in the plains and in the hills, in 
order to ascertain the same kind of facts respecting the Flax 
plant when grown according to European methods for the sake 
of the fibre. The Agricultural Society of the Punjab are 
already attempting the culture, as the Secretary has addressed 
a letter to the Court, requesting an opinion respecting the 
quality of the Flax which they have already produced ; but the 
specimens have not yet arrived. (Further information has, 
however, recently been received, and will be afterwards detailed.) 
