298 



FLAX IN BEDFORDSHIRE. 



but his m".schievous intentions have been frustrated. A grood 

 cause loses nothing by opposition. I trust therefore that this 

 explanation respecting the failure of flax after turnips will 

 prevent future disappointments. I would also advise those 

 who grow only 30 cwt. of stalks and 16 pecks of seed an acre, 

 not to despise so small a crop, seeing that, if properly managed, 

 it may prove worth 18/. or 20/. 



I have many correspondents in Hertfordshire ; " An Old 

 Subscriber" may be one ; if so, he is probably aware of my 

 desire to see an establishment opened in that county for the 

 preparation of flax, and for the instruction of youth in the 

 improved system of management. Should such be the case 

 next spring, the half-acre of stalks in question can be dressed 

 for market, and the result will, I hope, induce your " Old 

 Subscriber ' to follow the example of my youthful correspondents 

 Mr. William Lavender, of Bidenham, Bedfordshire, and Mr. 

 Samuel Druce, Evesham, Oxford. The former gentleman pro- 

 duced at the last Bedfordshire Agricultural Meeting samples 

 of flax and linseed, grown upon one chain less than an acre 

 of stitF and ungenial land. He stated that the quantity of 

 stalks was five one-horse cart-loads, and of seed 26 bushels, 

 a small sample of which I am happy in having an opportunity 

 of inclosing for your inspection, and for that of any one w^ho 

 may be disposed to call at your office. It ranks amongst the 

 best I have yet seen, whether of foreign or of native growth. 

 Mr. Lavender also observed that the remainder of the field 

 was mangel-wurzel, that the whole was afterwards sown with 

 wheat, and that the acre after flax proved decidedly the best. 



Here^ then, is an instance of lO bushels of seed, and at 

 least 10 cwt. of stalks per acre, upon inferior land, more than 

 was grown upon " an acre of luxuriant old garden ground 

 ground that produced, according to your " Old Subscriber's" 

 account, at the rate of 880 bushels of carrots per acre, and 

 848 bushels per acre of potatoes and mangel-wurzel — a proof 

 that it does not require the best land to grow the finest crops 

 of flax! 



The latter gentleman referred to is only known to me as an 

 intelligent correspondent. The following extracts are taken 

 from his two last notes : — 



