194: CULLURE OF FLAX IN THE PUNJAB. 
obtained in the experiments in Bengal and Behar, and which 
produced such good Flax. (v. p.p. 176 and 182.) The samples 
were prepared under the superintendence of Corporal Keenan, of 
H.M.’s 10th Regiment. Of the opinion formed of these samples 
when sent to Calcutta, Mr. Wood, Secretary of the Chamber 
of Commerce, writes: “7th June, 1854. The general opinion 
regarding the Flax is very favorable. It is considered the 
finest that has been ever grown in the country; and that the 
cultivation of it might be encouraged.” Some of the special 
reports are as follow: 
Mr. Stalkartt writes :—‘‘ This Flax is decidedly the best specimen of this 
country’s growth, and I should say a good merchantable article. It is very 
difficult to give a thorough report upon it, as we have none from Europe to 
compare it with. From the test it did not appear very strong, and from its 
smell I should say that oil had been used in the preparation; perhaps with 
an improved method it would have greater strength, as oil, penkuely speak- 
ing, deteriorates greatly the strength of Hemp and Flax. I would like to 
see it in greater bulk; a handful is not a fair sample.” 
Report from Mr. Haworth.—“ Although I am not a member of the Flax 
and Hemp Committee, I am glad to have had the opportunity of examining 
the sample forwarded to the Society by Mr. Cope. On the whole, I think, 
its preparation does great credit to Corporal Keenan; any shortcoming is 
owing to the finer heckles not being ready. I think the length of fibre is 
good; the colour of the greater part is bright and healthy—that portion 
shows good strength ; there is, however, a small part of the sample of a dark 
dull colour, which, I think, is caused by over-retting, and that portion of the 
sample'is, as might be expected, weaker than the rest. If the natives of this 
country could produce such Flax as this specimen under notice, from the- 
immense fields now grown in Bengal for seed only, what an enormous 
amount would be added to the value of our exports.” 
Mr. Stalkartt is a rope-maker, of the firm of Messrs. Harton 
and Co., of Calcutta, and wished ten maunds to be sent to him 
by the quickest transit—bullock-train and steam-boat—in order 
to see what he could do with it in his own business. He 
wished also for “a couple of maunds of the tow,” as he thought 
“it might be useful for the railway.” Mr. Stalkartt’s remark 
about oil being used in the preparation, is referred to by the 
Secretary of the Society, and contradicted, “as no oil was 
used.” It is probably an accidental testimony to the softness 
of the fibre, which, in most of the Flaxes from warm countries, 
is found to be dry and hard. 
The Sub-Committee appointed by the Society to draw up a 
proposition for Flax arrangements, submitted the following—. 
