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On the Cultivation of Flax. 



I must not omit to state, however, that of all the flax-seed pro- 

 duced at market of late years, that grown in England appears to 

 be the best, both for its great weight and freedom from weeds. 

 It is true the quantity raised is at present small, but this will not 

 always be the case, and we may reasonably expect at no distant 

 day that Ireland will obtain from us the seed required for sowing, 

 affording in return the seed required here for like purpose. The 

 two countries will then be enabled to supply each other's wants 

 in the best manner, without resortino; to foreig-n aid. 



It has been recommended, as a means of obtaining a change of 

 seed, to sow a patch of land with foreign seed, Riga being consi- 

 dered the best for the purpose. The seed is to be sown thin, and 

 the crop allowed to stand till thoroughly ripe, the fibre being in 

 this case a matter of no importance. The seed obtained from 

 this crop will be ready for the next year's sowing ; and the farmer 

 may thus not only secure clean and perfect seed, but he will like- 

 wise obtain a change in the most convenient way. This plan 

 may be followed as often as fresh seed is required. 



Weeding. — If the land has been properly cleaned and pre- 

 pared, and if all the root weeds have been carefully picked off 

 before sowing, there will be little need of weeding afterwards. If 

 any of the stronger weeds appear, they must be removed, and this 

 may readily be done by women and children, who should be cau- 

 tioned to tread and trample the flax as little as possible. The 

 smaller description of weeds will soon be overtopped by the flax, 

 which grows rapidly, and is therefore a smothering crop, and 

 helps to clean the ground. 



Pulling. — Various rules have been given for ascertaining the 

 proper time to pull the flax. If pulled too soon, the fibre may be 

 fine ; but there will be great waste in scutching, and the seed will 

 be of little value. The best rale is to pull as soon as the seeds 

 begin to get firm, and change to a pale yellowish or greenish 

 brown colour, and when the stem has become yellow for about 

 half or two-thirds its height from the ground. A little practice 

 will, however, be the surest guide on this point ; and on the whole 

 there is, perhaps, less danger from pullmg too early than from 

 pulling too late. 



I sowed, in the spring of 1845, 13 acres of flax, and 3 acres of hemp. 

 This also turned out well ; and I have now in the present season 45 acres 

 of flax and 8 acres of hemp. I find it difficult to obtain first-rate flax- 

 dressers. 1 could afford to give a good flax-dresser piece-work, so that he 

 could earn 18s. per week, and in long days as much as 1/. per week, Hali- 

 fax currency ; and I could give two or three families constant work in the 

 flax business." 



