Illustration: FLAX (‡ PLANT).
Flax is obtained from the stalks of the flax plant _Linum
Usitatissimum_, it is supposed to have been originally brought
from Egypt, where linens have been woven from its fibres from time
immemorial. It is now found growing wild in this country, and is
cultivated in most parts of Europe, either for its stalks to make
flax, or for its seed (linseed), which is used for fattening cattle,
and yields an oil (linseed oil) much used in the making of paint. The
plant grows to two or three feet in height, bears a blue flower in
July, and has a great hollow stem; when gathered, it is pulled up by
the roots. The fibres of flax are very long and even; it is the inner
part which yields the best fibres.