At the present day hemp forms a material part in the manufacture of sails. In addition to flax, the ancients employed broom, rushes, leather, and various skins of animals for the purpose.
[809] In c. 76.
[810] On the contrary, as Fée observes, the cultivation of flax is attended with the greatest difficulties.
[811] See B. xvii. c. 7. Virgil says, Georg. i. 77, “Urit enim lini campum seges”—but in the sense, as Fée remarks, of exhausting, not scorching the soil.
[812] A light soil, and well manured, is usually employed for the purpose. Columella, B. ii. c. 10, recommends a rich, moist soil. It is sown in March or April, and is gathered, according to the season, from June to September.
[813] Though rapid in its growth, there are many vegetable productions that grow more rapidly.
[814] This was the time for sowing it with the Romans, though in some countries, at the present day, it is sown so late as the autumn.
[815] In B. xviii. c. 72, he has spoken of this method of gathering vegetable productions as injurious to the soil, by withdrawing its natural juices.
[816] “Censentur hoc reditu?” There is little doubt that the Gauls, like their German neighbours, cultivated flax for the purposes of female dress, and not mainly for the manufacture of sails.
[817] “Quod vocant inane.” He implies that the boundless space of ocean on the Western coasts of Gaul was useless for any purposes of navigation.