240 



furnished to me by my friend Mr. Hartsliorne of Philadelphia. It con- 

 tains by far the best instructions for the management of all the processes 

 thi-ough which flax has to pass that I have seen in print. Part of it is 

 inapplicable to our present position in Wisconsin, that relative to the hack- 

 ling and spinning ; but probably that portion which treats of the raising 

 and general management of flax as a crop might be instructive to the 

 readers of the "Transactions," if they keep in view the modifications 

 which our soil and climate need, as detailed in my last communication. 



I would especially direct attention to the simple machine for taking off 

 the seed, described therein, Avhich will do the work well, and speedily, 

 without injury to the fibre. I had a model of one of my own invention 

 ready to send you, but on reading this, I put it aside for the present. 



I regret I have so little of importance to contribute to the forthcoming 



volume of Transactions, but knowing, as you do, the Avarm interest I take 



in the prosperity of the Society, you will take the "will for the deed." 



I am, dear sir. 



Yours most sincerely, 



JOHN GALBRAITH. 

 To Albert C. Ingham, Esq. 



Sec. of the Wis. State Agr. Society. 



[Extract from Messrs. Fairhairris Pam^hlet.~\ 



INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS, AND DESCRIPTION OF 

 THE MODES OF GROWING, RETTING, AND 

 SCUTCHING FLAX. 



There are few textile manufactures that present more interesting 

 points to the inquiring mind than that of Flax ; whether we consider its 

 rapid extension, or the great changes that have taken place in its mani- 

 pulations during the last twenty years ; that extension and those 

 changes together producing, as they do, a simplicity and an economy 

 which have resulted in placing within the reach of many a comfort, nay, 

 •even a luxury, that was previously attainable by few. For in the linen 

 manufacture are to be found fabrics of greater beauty combined with 

 usefulness, than perhaps in any other. This manufacture likewise 

 affords a most striking lesson of what machinery is capable of achieving. 



