152 



FARM CROPS 



for seed. The demand for linseed oil makes the 

 growing of flax profitable in some sections of the 

 country. Then, too, the by-product, or linseed 

 meal, is extremely valuable as a stock food. For 

 this crop a moist, deep loam having good drainage 

 is best. This applies for both seed and fiber va- 

 rieties. Inasmuch as flax is a heavy nitrogen feeder 

 the soil must contain an abundant supply of this 

 fertilizing element. This is most cheaply obtained 

 when clover and other legumes are grown. In 

 seeding as soon as the weather settles and the 

 ground is warmed up, the seed is sown 2 or 3 pecks 

 to the acre. A heavier seeding than this crowds 

 plants and lessens the seed yield. Heavier seedings 

 are preferred for fiber and in this case from a bushel 

 to two bushels of seed are used to the acre. The 

 heavy seeding prevents the branching of the stalks 

 and induces a single stem instead. 



For fiber the seed is spread broadcast and for 

 seed both broadcast and in drills. When the seeds 

 are full and plump and have good color, it is time 

 to harvest. The binder is used for the purpose. 

 When the bundles are cured they are put in small 

 stacks or stored in the barn until threshing time. 

 A common grain threshing machine will serve the 

 purpose well. The yield of flax seed runs from 8 

 to 15 bushels to the acre. 



GERMAN MILLET.— See Millets. 



HAIRY VETCH.— See Vetches. 



HEMP. — An erect annual grown for its fiber- 

 bearing qualities. This fiber is taken from the 

 inner bark and is closely bound together by resin- 

 ous gum. The rich, well-drained bottom lands are 

 best for hemp, but uplands, if fertile and moist, 

 may be used. Much moisture is an essential factor 



