. Elements of practical agriculture; comprehending the cultivation of plants, the husbandry of the domestic animals, and the economy of the farm. FLAX. 337 The land, if it has been prepared in a proper manner, will not require more than one thorough weeding of this kind. After weeding, the plants will grow with vigour sufficient to overcome any common weeds that may grow amongst them. The next process in the culture of the flax is that of reaping. This is done, not by the sickle or scythe, but by pulling the plants up by the roots. The period of pulling the plant is determined by the princi- p
. Elements of practical agriculture; comprehending the cultivation of plants, the husbandry of the domestic animals, and the economy of the farm. FLAX. 337 The land, if it has been prepared in a proper manner, will not require more than one thorough weeding of this kind. After weeding, the plants will grow with vigour sufficient to overcome any common weeds that may grow amongst them. The next process in the culture of the flax is that of reaping. This is done, not by the sickle or scythe, but by pulling the plants up by the roots. The period of pulling the plant is determined by the princi- pal end in cultivating it. When it is wished to procure fine fibre, the plant should be pulled when somewhat green. When it is wished to procure the seeds either for sowing again or for crushing for oil, the plant must remain until the seeds are ripe. This will be denoted by the hardened state of the seed-vessels, the yellow colour of the stems, and the falling off of the leaves. When flax of good quality, but not extreme fineness, is wanted, the best period of pulling is just when the plant has attained its maturity with respect to the formation, but not to the full ripening of the seeds. When it is required for the finest fa- brics of all, as for cambrics and muslins, it should be pulled when it begins to flower. When the crop is ready, the plants are pulled up by the roots, and laid in handfuls alternately crossing one another, and left upon the ground for a few days to wither. They are then freed from the capsules or seed-vessels, and made into small sheaves, winch are conveniently tied by a few stems of the plants themselves, or by some rushes or straw-ropes. The separation of the seed-vessels from the steins is perform- ed by a process termed rippling. The rippling machine is an implement like a comb, with iron teeth, fixed upon a plank. Through these teeth the stems are repeatedly drawn by the hand, Fig. 163. and thus the capsules or seed-vessels, are separated. The rippl
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