asked the Minister for Agriculture if flax instructors have been sent to any of the flax-growing counties in the Free State to advise and assist prospective growers as to selection of seed, preparation of ground, and to give any other information incidental to the preduction of a good flax crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Instruction in Flax Growing.
Dr. Ryan
Some of the officers who were formerly employed as flax instructors by the Department of Agriculture and who are at present employed—mainly in connection with other duties—in the flax growing districts in northern counties are prepared to advise farmers in these areas on matters connected with flax growing. Advice can also be obtained from the agricultural instructors in these counties or direct from the Department. According to information available, flax growing during the present season is likely to be undertaken mainly by farmers who are thoroughly conversant with the proper methods of cultivating the crop, and in these circumstances it is not thought necessary to provide special instructors, nor, having regard to the uncertainty as regards prices, is it deemed expedient to encourage the extension of flax growing on the part of farmers who have no previous experience of the crop.