PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 321 



The fruit shall be exhibited and the prize paid at the rooms of 

 the American Institute, as the Farmers' Club or a committee shall 

 designate. A. S. FULLER. 



Mr. N. C. Meeker — A committee should be appointed before 

 spring, certainly before the fruiting season, to decide on the hardi- 

 ness of the plants. Perhaps it would be best for the chair to 

 appoint a committee, which shall appoint the awarding committee. 



The chair appointed Messrs. W. S. Carpenter, P. T. Quinn, and 

 N. C. Meeker. It is to be hoped that after the award those wish- 

 ing to plant the fruit will be able to do so wisely. 



Flax Shives. 



Mr. C. Boorum, jr., Millford Flax Mill, N. J., suggests that 

 farmers may get a benefit from the use of flax shives by hauling 

 them into the barnyard ; they will absorb liquid manure and serve 

 a good purpose. As a flax-breaker and dresser, I have thrown 

 and given away thousands of loads. In some places they are sold 

 for twenty-five cents a load. The same men carried them away 

 year after year, and use them on potatoes grown in stifi" clay soil. 



Mr. N. C. Meeker. — This suggests flax fiber. I would recom- 

 mend the club to look into flax culture, which certainly is profitable; 

 so also the spinning and weaving of it, but capitalists in this 

 country seem to overlook it. 



In Western Illinois they are beginning to learn the value of the 

 flax crop. Establishments have been erected for working up flax, 

 and this year yielded a profit of from $30 to $40 an acre. In other 

 sections capitalists agree to build works if the farmers will 

 agree to raise the flax. It is no more work to raise flax than 

 oats, and manufiicturers can sell every pound or yard. Both 

 parties must get rich. Cotton is not as profitable. Perhaps we 

 shall have some towels that will do to wipe on more than once. 



Fence Posts. 

 Mr. Wm. Barnes, Rives, Jackson county, Michigan. — How shall 

 I prepare fence posts to last longest ? The timber is post oak. 



Mr. R.J.Pardee. — Common copperas dissolved in an old kettle 

 makes a good solution ; dip in the posts and they will last a long 

 time. 



Prof. Tillman. — There are various substances which can be used. 

 Corrosive sublimate is one, sulphate of zinc (white vitrol) is 

 [Am. Inst.] U 



