The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1917-05-25
IS The Big need
SAYS j. 5. DEPARTMENT
When, Where and How Is Elk.
Planned by Director Linfield
of Experiment Station

The need Of increased flax produc-
ton as a war measure, the reasons
why it is likely to be a profitable
crop, it's adaptation to the late sea-
son, and the methods of obtaining
seed, are dealt with in a statement
just issued by Director F. B. Linfield
of the Montana Experiment station.
Mr.. Linfield points out, that inasmuch
as flax does we'll on new breaking, the
supply of flax may be increased with
out diminishing the food grain pro-
duction, and will prepare the way for
still further food grain production
next season.
Mr.. Linfield has received a letter
from W. A. Taylor, chief of the bu-
reau of plant industry, in the U. S.
department of agriculture, who says
lin part):
"The bureau of plant industry is
planning a vigorous campaign for the
extension of flax acreage this year,
and desires your cooperation to this
end. Anything you can do to further
the growing Of flax in your state will
be appreciated" After recounting the
flax situation both in the United
States and the world, which clearly
indicates a great shortage in supply,
he continues: ut seems entirely prob
able, therefore, that flax prices during
the coming twelve months will be pro-
itable to the farmer, even though
there is an increase of so per cent
or more in production.
"The many uses of linseed oil in
military and naval supplies make this
increased production in part a war
measure. AS you know, linseed oil is
used in waterproofing canvas for
tents, in the manufacture of water
proof coats, in the making of cores in
%foundries, and in preserving and wat
~erproofing steel and wooden construc-
ton. The by-product of linseed oil
production, the oil cake, is a valuable
food for livestock, and will be par
ticularly useful if it becomes neces-
sary to mill a higher percentage of
the wheat kernel into flour than is
now customary.
"As flax can be grown on break
ing more successfully than any other
crop, we are particularly urging the
use of it in bringing new land into
cultivation. Further, flax may be
sown after it is too late to utilize the
land for other crops. For these rea-
sons the increased production of flax
may be accomplished without ~curtail-
ing the production of food crops, as
neither the sowing nor harvesting of
flax conflicts with those operations in
cereal production. Another argument
in favor of increasing the flax acre
age this year is that bringing this
new land into cultivation will make
available a still larger acreage for
wheat and other food crops in the
spring of 1918.
"The Bureau has delegated Mr.. c..
H. Clark, flax specialist in the office
of cereal Investigations, to use all his
efforts during the next several weeks
to increase flax production. To this
end he has established headquarters
at 1926 Flour Exchange, Minneapolis,
Mimi, where he will gather informa-
ton from county agents, the country
elevators, and other sources regarding
available supplies of flaxseed, and will
furnish this information to those who
report shortages Of seed stocks. He
will also endeavor in cooperation with
the flax development committee of
the linseed oil consumers, to make
available to farmers, so far as neces-
sary, supplies of flax, suitable for
seeding, now in the hands of linseed
crushers in Minneapolis"