In the Norman countryside and along the coast, flax is a local tradition. Once bloomed, the plant is laid on the ground for retting. As the process advances, the flax grower brings a straw sample to the scutching line that allows the separation of the fiber from the straw. With the help of experts, he controls the quality of the fiber. Together, they decide whether the flax should be rolled up or wait for another downpour to refine the retting. When the timing is optimal, the flax grower must be responsive to wind the retted flax straw as the slightest dew would affect the quality of the fiber.