263 



successfully demonstrated by actual experiment. We have the farming and me- 

 chanical labor already here, to be employed in its cultivation and preparation for 

 market; and we are importing into the State for our own use, from other States 

 and abroad, the very articles that are produced from it, amounting, in all, to no 

 inconsiderable sum of money, when we have the facilities to be not only indepen- 

 dent, in this lespect, but also to produce for exportation. The experience of the 

 fanners in this State, has clearly proved, that the wheat crop is not always sure; 

 and if a crop, there is not always a good market. Consequently there is a 

 necessity that, at least, a portion of our energies should be directed to some other 

 agricultural product; and I know of no plan more feasible or profitable than this. 

 It is a sure crop — comparatively so, at least. It opens and commands a safe 

 cash market. The crop is raised with as little labor, proportionably, as any 

 other, and it can be easily and cheaply introduced at this time. 



Some plan could be adopted by neighborhoods, or perhaps by a more general 

 concert of action among the farmers of the State, to procure the seed. After the 

 first season, then this difficulty ends; and the crop is introduced into the State — 

 and that it will afteiwards become a staple one, I think any person can cleai-ly 

 see. 



To show that all this is not mere theory, without experiment or proof, I am 

 permitted to refer to John Galbraith, Esq., of Mukwonago, in the county of 

 Waukesha — who has liad more expeiience in the culture of this crop than any 

 other person in this country; and who is now, and has been for a few years past, 

 engaged in this enterprise, in this State,, at the above \)]ace. 



1 am informed, by a letter from him, under date of November last, that 

 la 1848, he raised 20 acres, a good crop. 



1849, " 96 " very fine crop. 



1850, " 121 " dry season, middling crop. 



1851, " 108 " splendid crop. 



Mr. Galbraith gives it as his opinion, that this crop is as well adapted to this 

 State, as to any flax growing country abroad ; and he has had an iutimato 

 acquaintance with those countries, and is capable of judging correctly. 



I have examined with much satisfaction, the flax breaking macliine of Messi*s. 

 Hatch and Weed, at Beloit, where they purchase the flax straw by the ton, and 

 it is by them rotted, dressed, and sent to an Eastern market. Should the farmers 

 of this country adopt this crop, and use one half the energies in its production 

 now expended upon wheat, the time is not distant when many of our cotton fac- 

 tories will be converted into linen factories, and linen goods be produced as 

 cheaply, and be made as generally useful as cotton goods. 



Recent experiments in Europe and in our own country, leave no longer a 

 doubt but that flax can be substituted for cotton ; and there is a process and 



