Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

ESSAY No. 16.

Mode of raising flax as practiced in Waterbury, Vermont.

Much depends on the choice of the ground; but this the practical flax farmer will be better able to judge of for himself than to confine himself to any given rules. The ground thus chosen, must be more highly prepared by ploughing, harrowing, &c. than is commonly done. The quantity of seed necessary, is about three and a half bushels per acre, and requires to be sown very true and even; it is then harrowed in the common way, always finishing with the brush harrow. A slight sprinkling of ashes when it is coming out of the ground is of great use as it prevents the worms from eating the roots. When the flax is about four inches high, it is necessary to give it a pretty thorough weeding, as if well attended to at that time, the weeds will not grow again so as to injure the crop. The time for pulling is in the third set of blossoms and when the centre boll has nearly attained its full size It now requires to be pulled, bound up in bundles of a moderate size, and carried into the water, which must be a pool of about three or four feet deep, standing, but not stagnant water, and may be naturally or artificially formed.

The most difficult part of the whole process and that which requires the most experience is now commenced: as a single false step will easily destroy the whole crop.

The length of time it remains in the water depends on the warmth of the season, and the quality of the water, as it is necessary to check the fermentation at a particular height. When the fermentation is sufficiently high, it must be taken out and spread on ground newly mown, or that is closely fed; that which is least likely to grow fast is to be preferred. It should be spread very thin and even, and carefully tended till it is sufficiently bleached, when it is ready to be taken up, and is fit for dressing

The length of time taken up in bleaching depends upon circumstances and can be determined only by the person who attends it at the time. The dressing is the same as the common mode and is generally well understood throughout the country.

The flax raised at Waterbury and the adjoining towns is of a remarkable good quality. It is worth from twenty-five to thirty dollars per cwt. The Common flax of the country is worth only about seventeen dollars per cwt.