FLAX. 85 
trical experiments ; and is also made into toys for the 
amusement of children. 
The elder will grow and thrive in almost any soil and 
situation ; but, as every part of this shrub has an un- 
pleasant narcotic smell, people ought to be cautious not 
to sleep under its shade, as, in such case, it might prove 
of serious injury to them. 
TETRAGYNIA. 
97. FLAX is the produce of an annual plant (Linum 
usitatissimum, Fig. 37), with spear-shaped leaves, and blue 
flowers, which is cultivated in several parts of Great Britain, 
and grows wild in corn-fields and sandy pastures of some of the 
southern counties. 
The stems of these plants rise to the height of about two 
feet. The seed vessels and leaves of the calyx are sharp pointed^ 
and the flowers have each five scolloped petals. 
It is supposed that we were originally indebted for 
this plant to those parts of Egypt which are annually 
inundated by the Nile ; but the time of its introduction 
into this country is unknown. Its utility is incalculable. 
To it we are indebted for the linen we wear, for our 
sheets, table-cloths, and numerous other indispensable 
articles of clothing and domestic economy ; and 
although cotton might, in some degree, supply its place, 
those persons who have been accustomed to the com- 
forts of linen would be little desirous of the exchange. 
The cultivation of flax is pursued to considerable 
extent in some parts of the British dominions. The 
seed imported from Riga and Holland is generally, 
though perhaps erroneously, esteemed the best. It is 
sown in March or April ; and the plants, when nearly 
ripe, are pulled up by the roots. These, if flax and not 
seed be the object of the crop, are either placed in 
small parcels upon the surface of the land, for expo- 
sure to the sun, to dry; or they are immediately con- 
veyed to the place where they are to undergo the pro- 
cess called watering. For this purpose they are loosely 
tied in small bundles, placed in pools or ponds of soft 
