CLEANING THE FLAX SWAMP.

Shannon News, 22 September 1922, Page 3

CLEANING THE FLAX SWAMP.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF FIRE

The ruddy reflection in the northern sky last evening attracted a lot. of attention in Shannon, and the apparent extent of the blaze gave the impression that a destructive fire was in progress away to the north. On inquiry this morning it was learned That the Seifert Flax-dressing Company was burning off a block of 140 acres of their flax swamp at Makema. The company finds from experience that the firing of flax after having been cut has great, beneficial effects. All the debris .decayed flax and o'; or such material is cleaned up, and this has the additional advantage of providing a supply of potash to the flax bushes, the whole effect being pint the new growth comes away clean and strong, similar to a fire th-'cujgh dried-up pasture on grazing land. Yesterday’s wind being from the right direction for a successful burn, the block was set alight, and the work proved quite successful.