Bre) ths GROWERS: “DISTRIBUTORS 22 9 

FLAX 
Linum usitatissimum 
A very ancient fibre and oil crop in the old world but comparatively new in the 
Southwest, where it is grown for the seed, from which linseed oil is expressed, and 
the residue of meal. An annual, erect branching plant, best adapted to the cool 
moist periods of the fall and spring months, and following corn or other fibrous- 
rooted crops. Suited to loam soils which are well drained, fairly fertile, and well 
worked. The success of a flax crop depends very largely on the control of weeds 
which take moisture from the growing crop and interfere with harvesting. Flax seed 
is very sensitive to moisture conditions, therefore soil must be well worked to main- 
tain a uniform distribution of surface moisture for good stands. Only seed of high 
germination and purity is deemed worthy of planting to compensate for the expense 
of land preparation necessary to control weed growth and conserve moisture. 
BISON 
A standard variety; not so winter-hardy as Rio nor so rust-resistant; but yields 
a high percentage of oil. Probably better suited for spring planting. Plants 
of medium height, 26”-30”, wilt-resistant but susceptible to rust. 
GOLDEN 
A rust-resistant and winter-hardy variety that has proven more widely adaptable 
through south Texas than other varieties. 
PUNJAB 
A high yielding variety adapted to irrigated land in Rio Grande Valley and the 
Wintergarden section. 
RIO 
A new disease resistant, winter-hardy variety adapted to the dryland farming 
sections of the Texas coast. Matures uniformly and has given the highest aver- 
age yields of all varieties tested on the Texas Gulf Coast. Resistant to both 
wilt and rust. Plants 26”-36” under irrigation, bolls large, seeds brown and slightly 
pateee than Punjab or Bison. Midseason in maturity, averaging 3 days later than 
ison. 
