THE TECHNOLOGIST. lAvo. 1, 18(15. 
26 CULTIVATION OF FLAX IN CANADA. 
It is also desirable that companies should be formed, as it is quite 
■within the reach of a few individuals, with a very moderate amount of 
capital — say 1,000 dols. — to start a scutch mill with eight or ten stocks, 
and after preparing their own flax for market, a profitable business 
could he done in scutching for others. 
"What we require most of all is persons of capital and enterprise to 
give this matter their attention in cities and towns. In Toronto, within 
the last few months, a company has been formed to erect and start an 
oil mill, which; I understand, is doing a most successful business. 
Another company has been formed for the re-erection of the Rossin 
House. These are examples of what combined effort can accomplish. 
With such inducements as the manufacturing of linen presents, it is 
only a wonder the project has been allowed to remain unnoticed so long. 
Some may urge that water-power is required for such extensive works. 
There are, however, several small streams in the vicinity able to supply 
an engine that would drive any amount of machinery. If buildings 
were placed near the lake, sufficient water could easily be made avail- 
able for that purpose. Another great advantage in connection with the 
use of steam in flax manufacture, is that sufficient fuel is made from 
the shive, or refuse taken from the fibre, to supply an engine of any 
capacity, with, perhaps, a trifling quantity of wood added. 
On a recent visit to New York, I found our American neighbours 
quite alive to this new enterprise. They are entering with much spirit 
both into the cultivation of the plant and its manufacture. At Paterson, 
New Jersey, three large establishments are already at work, and some 
six or seven hundred hands are employed. The most extensive of the 
three has been in operation several years in the manufacture of jute, and 
the proprietors are now preparing to spin and weave flax and tow, which 
will create a demand for the raw material. At Schenectady there are 
also several mills at work. Here our Canadian flax has found a ready 
market. At one of these establishments a large quantity of coarse 
twine for tying brooms is manufactured, as the principal crop grown on 
the valleys of the Mohawk is broom corn. There is no reason why this 
crop should not be successfully grown in Canada, and, from the demand 
for the article, it is well worthy the attention of the Canadian farmer. 
While urging the growth of the flax plant, too much cannot be said 
in favour of starting manufactories, as it is an acknowledged fact that, 
from the failure of the wheat crop for so many years in succession, 
farming lands, and property of every description in the country, has 
greatly depreciated. Hence the greater necessity for every one interested 
putting his shoulder to the wheel and helping on this important move- 
ment. Wherever companies can be started with any prospect of success, 
parties should not hesitate in taking stock, and encouraging the project 
in every possible way. Large companies ought to be organized in the 
large cities and towns, while others, on a smaller scale, can, with perfect 
safety, be established in the country. It is to be hoped capitalists in 
