[ 186 ] 
about the middle, and in some pieces more, and 
some less, and that this mildew should continue 
from year to year, and gradually extend further and 
further from the place where it was first discovered. 
It may be remarked, that the Hessian fly was first 
discovered at a place in King’s county, and exteii« 
ded from thence year by year, at about double the 
distance of this mildew, as it is called. I believe 
these black spots on the stalks of the flax, to pro¬ 
ceed from the sting of an insect, which lets out the 
sap or juice, which rots the flax in that part, and 
makes the streak, in many instances, from the 
black speck. I meant last year to have discovered 
this insect if any such there were ; and for that 
purpose frequently viewed the flax in its growth, 
but could observe no black spots or streaks on the 
stalks ; all looked well ; I concluded my flax was 
not affected or injured—but on its changing colour^ 
the black spots and streaks from the same appear¬ 
ed, and the crop was lost. 
If this is occasioned by an insect, as I make no 
doubt it is, I can devise no means to prevent it.—> 
It will, however, be worth while, critically to ob¬ 
serve the flax in the different stages of its growth, 
and if possible discover the insect. The loss of 
the crops of flax in that part of the country, is be¬ 
come a serious calamity, as those lands were well 
calculated for that production, and large quantities 
were raised and exported ; at present, most farmers 
are obliged to purchase their linen or flax from 
