Report on the Agriculture of Delrjium. 
45 
The system of steeping flax in Belgium is mucli tlie same as was followed 
fifty years ago. 
Trials have been made of artificial modes of steeping on a large scale, and 
in established nuinufactories ; but though the quality of the fibres steeped in 
hot water is admitted to be superior to that of the same fibres treated in the 
ordinary manner, none of these systems have proved remunerative, and they 
have consequently found little favour in this coimtry. 
It may be stated generally, therefore, that in Belgium flax is either steeped 
in meadows Q'sur Iv pre"), in stagnant or in running waters. The two latter 
niethods arc preferred ; for, as the fibre preiiared in meadows is apt to become 
discoloured or spotted through the action of the soil, the former system is little 
]iractised, save in districts where water is scarce. 
Steejiing in stagnant water makes the fibre softer and more flexible, in 
l unning water stronger and of a better colour. Flax fibre, however, that has 
been steeiied in streams, if kept in store for a year Vjcfore being worked, 
acquires the same flexibility as that steeped in stagnant water. Steeping in 
running water is therefore considered in Belgium as the best mode of prepara- 
tion, though in some districts, such as the neighbourhood of Lokeren, and 
generally in the Pays de Waes, the plan of steeping in stagnant water is suc- 
cessfully practised. 
The favourable results of the flax-steeping operations conducted in Belgium 
must be attributed in a very great measure to the watchfulness and unremitting 
care of those employed in them, and to their discernment in seizing tlie proper 
moment for commencing or leaving off the process. Every stage of the pre- 
paration of flax, indeed, requires the gi'eatest care — from the choice of the seed 
till it rcRches the spinning-mill ; but the steeping and peeling processes require 
much skill. It is in the care and skill bestowed on these operations that the 
iuhabitants of Flanders show great superiority. 
It would be necessary to study with great minuteness the work of culture 
and 1 'reparation, in order to obtain an exact idea of the various causes which 
affect the quality of the manufactured article. 
On the subject of the effect of steejang flax, in rendering the waters in 
which it has been steeped poisonous to fish and other animals, many inquiries 
have been made in Belgium. Special Commissions have examined and 
reported on the question. The water of the River Lys, on the banks of which 
many flax-retting frames are established, have been repeatedly analysed. If 
the question has not been officially decided in any conclusive report published 
or sanctioned by the Government, it is not the less true that, alter a careful 
study of all that has been written on the subject by individuals, and of all the 
opinions expressed by competent autliorities or Government Commissions, the 
balance of evidence leans towards a belief in the innocuous nature of the effects 
of flax-steeping upon animal life. 
As to its effects on the health of human beings, it may be affirmed that no 
single instance of illness, of epidemic, or of increased mortality, has given anj'' 
confirmation of the fears of tliose who hold that the steeping process produces 
miasma, or gases prejudicial to liealth. 
As to its effects on fish and cattle, as far as regards the River Lys, no 
injury seems to have been caused them from the above-mentioned process in 
this district; but it is doubtful whether an answer could be given with the 
same certainty in the case of other streams. If the retting-tanks be established 
in or near small shallow streams, or if water from a stagnant retting-pond be 
discharged suddeidy into a river, no doubt consequences prejudicial to animal 
life may ensue. 
The volume of the running water, indeed, seems to constitute the principal 
(■lement of the solution of the question at issue ; it is essential, moreover, to 
aild that it is only after being dried in stack or barn for at least a year that flax 
should be sleepeii in running water. 
