THE CULTIVATION OF EUROPEAN FLAX.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4144, 2 July 1874, Page 3

THE CULTIVATION OF EUROPEAN FLAX.

The cultivation of European flax seems to be receiving considerable attention in some of the Colonies, and has been the subject of correspondence with residents in this Colony who take an interest in the promotion of new industries. One letter, received by Ur. Donald, of Christchurch, has been handed to the Lyttelton Times, accompanied by samples which are said to be of excellent quality, though not better than samples of some flax grown in that Province. The following is the letter, dated Hobart Town, June 9 : “ Conceiving that long residence has associated your interests with the welfare of your province, I venture, most kindly, to address you on a subject that has engaged my attention these last three years—the cultivation of European flax. Flax-growing has been tried here, experimentally, and the result was highly satisfactory. Still, there are difficulties which will prevent its culture for years to come. I judge that flax-culture would be a profitable occupation for the farmers at Christchurch, for they are on a par with those of Adelaide, having an immense extent of land under grain crops. The Adelaide Government foresaw the importance of flax-growing, and established it by granting a bonus of £IOO, for the first 100 bales exported, as well as supplying seed gratuitously. “ It is self-evident that a large population is being attracted to New Zealand, and referring specially to Canterbury, some staple industry will be required besides the growing of cereals, and the production of wool. X would like to know if European flax has been grown in your neighborhood. I make no reference to the native flax of New Zealand, for its value, at present is not encouraging ; nor is it likely to stand against the cheap labor of the Azores, where it is being cultivated largely. “ The indigenous flax of this country is believed to be a superior fibre. I tried some of it last season—it is very strong, its feel is wiry, but cultivation will render it soft ; an examination of the fibres will discover that they are capable of being split fine. I send you a small quantity of the seed, which you might get some competent person to grow in rich (moist) soil. The stem, leaves, and flower are the same as the Russian flax. The seed must be sown this month. I have sown some in my garden. “ I enclose two samples of Russian flax—one of them grown in Tasmania, the other at Adelaide. The Tasmanian sample was pronounced in Ireland to be of excellent quality—rather short, but perfect in strength. The Adelaide sample is finer, but not strong. “ There may be a botanic garden at Christchurch where the Tasmanian seed could be raised, and the Superintendent might be willing to communicate with me as to the climate and soil of New Zealand being adapted to European flax.’'