PRODUCE OF VARIOUS FLAX FIELDS. 



123 



most profitable description of flax is that from which the 

 seed has been saved; therefore the crop is now rendered 

 doubly valuable, and doubly important to the community at 

 large. 



With respect to the various details of harvesting and pre- 

 paring flax for general purposes, those contained in the letters 

 of Messrs. Marshall and Mr. Edmonds deserve particular 

 attention ; but where the finest description of flax, regardless 

 of seed, is the object, Mr. Henderson's directions (p. 96) 

 may be followed with undoubted success. Indeed his plan is 

 so clearly recounted, that it will be found a valuable re- 

 ference even to those who may not be disposed to sacrifice the 

 seed. 



It ought to be remembered that if all aimed at fine fibre the 

 market would be quickly overstocked with that quality, the 

 price be greatly reduced, and the coarser sorts be more in 

 request. 



Mr. Beare, of Paston, had more than seven coombs, or 

 29 bushels, of linseed from an acre of land last year. Mr. At- 

 kinson, of Walcot, had 27 bushels from an acre and 4 rods 

 of ground. The weight of Mr. Pierson's seed of Framling- 

 ham was 4 stone 3 lbs. per bushel, and that of Mr. Tillett, of 

 Yaxley, 4 stone 3 J lbs. per bushel. I could adduce many 

 more instances if necessary, but the above are sufficient to 

 prove that the quality, weight, and quantity per acre of Eng- 

 lish seed surpass any accounts extant. 



These facts, added to the discovery that linseed with grain, 

 pulse, or hay, can be formed into a compound infinitely cheaper 

 and superior to foreign oil-cake for fattening cattle, incontest- 

 ably prove that the cultivation of the plant for the sake of the 

 seed must abundantly repay, and that a new agricultural era 

 has commenced, fraught with the most beneficial consequences 

 to landlord, tenant, and labourer. 



An appropriate place is here presented for the insertion of 

 an article, by the pen of Sir Charles M. Burrell, Bart., unex- 

 pectedly off'ered for the second edition of this work. A 

 valuable acquisition as well as a powerful support to my 

 labours. 



