"The bast fibers of the flax plant are so important," said Fred, "that teacher gave us a special lesson on the plant and its cultivation. The flax plant grows from two to three feet high, and bears pretty blue flowers at the top of its long slender stalks. When the flower dies off it leaves behind a pod, or seed- vessel, full of little, flat, oval seeds.
"It is a curious fact that in warm countries the plants produce excellent seeds, but the bast fibers of the stem are not so good as inplants grown in temperate climates. "In warm countries therefore theflax plant is grown chiefly for its seeds. When pressed, these seeds yield linseed oil, and the oil-cake which is left behind is used for feeding cattle.
"In cooler climates the plant is grown mainly for the bast fibers of its inner bark, which is used for making linen. In the north ofIreland, and in Belgium, Holland, and Russia, we may see fields of flax plants growing like corn and other crops. The plant is an annual, and very easily grown. It is sown in the spring, and is ready for gathering in July.
