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Miller = Z. crepitans Boning.), grown in some countries for 

 oil seeds, has dwarfer, more branched stems and larger cap- 

 sules, which open and set free their seeds when ripe ; the 

 dissepiments are hairy. 



Climate and Soil. — Flax succeeds best in a moderately 

 damp and warm climate. The soil most adapted for its growth 

 is a deep, well-drained, sandy loam, although it can be cultivated 

 upon a variety of soils, so long as they are not too dry and are 

 free from stagnant water. 



On stiff clays, peaty soils, or soil containing much lime, flax 

 produces fibre poor in quality. 



Sowing. — As young flax plants are very easily destroyed by a 

 sharp frost, the seed should not be sown until all likelihood of 

 damage in this manner is past. 



The middle of April is soon enough for most districts in 

 which the crop is grown ; but it is sometimes sown as early 

 as March or as late as May. The earlier the better, for 

 early seeding not only increases the yield and quality of the 

 fibre, but there is also more time left for the drying and 

 other processes connected with the preparation of the stem 

 before ' retting ' ; the ground is shaded early in the season, 

 and the moisture in the soil thereby preserved from loss by 

 evaporation. 



The amount of seed to be used for sowing varies according as 

 the crop is to be grown for fibre alone, for fibre and unripe seed, 

 or for seed only. 



When the crop is cultivated for its fibre, or chiefly for the 

 fibre with a certain amount of partially ripened seed, the plants 

 should stand closely together, so as to induce the production of 

 long thin unbranched stems ; a thick seeding is therefore needed, 

 and the amount in such cases should be not less than 3 bushels 

 of seed, or about 160 to 170 lbs. per acre. 



If a crop of ripe seed is desired, the plants should have plenty 

 of room for healthy development, and from 70 to 100 lbs. of 



