288 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



vepetable prodaction except wheat. For its productiveness and its intrinsic value, it 

 well deserves trial in the United States. 



5. There is a variety of capsicum, called inmcnto dulcc, sweet pepper, which fig^ures 

 much amonj^ the mii:or objects of seasoning for the table, and would find favor if 

 cultivated by cur raa,rket^gardner.s. 



6. Esparto, {Stipa tenccissima.) This plant grows abundantly in the Mediterranean 

 provinces, in situations where almost nothing else will grow. Its fiber, of great 

 tenacity, is in utiversal employment for the fabrication of mats, floor-coverings, cord- 

 age, sandals, baskets, and other objects of domestic use. The floor-coverings made of 

 it, found in every bonse in Spain, are cheaper and better than those which we import 

 in such great quantities from the East Indies. 



These observations, cursory as they are, will suffice to call attention to some of the 

 objects of agricultural industry, which, while common in Spain, are little, if at all, 

 cultivated in the United States. 



I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



g. GUSHING 



