76 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



PATRIOTISM OF THE FARMERS. 



The Chairman remarked upon the noble part taken by the 

 farmers in the present crisis. A supply of provisions is the first 

 necessity in war as in peace. He believed that the men who 

 cultivate the soil in the southern states would be the first to 

 return to their allegiance. 



Dr. Waterbury. — The north cannot only carry on the war, but 

 take care of its agricultural interests besides. The soldier must 

 be well fed in order that he may fight well ; and that party which 

 could best feed its soldiers would inevitably win the day. 



The Chairman read an article from a newspaper, with regard 

 to the "flax-cotton." He expressed the opinion that flax might 

 yet be used as a substitute for cotton. It might not be so dura- 

 ble, but would be cheaper. Chemistry has done a hundred things 

 kindred to that. When we can accomplish this, cotton will no 

 longer be king. Illinois alone can produce 200,000 bags of flax 

 yearly. 



Dr. "Waterbury explained the peculiarity of the fibres of flax, 

 cotton and wool, saying that the microscope shows why cotton is 

 king ; that it is in consequence of the peculiar shape of its 

 fibre. 



WHAT CAN YET BE PLANTED. 



Mr. Robinson read an article upon this subject, together with 

 a letter from a woman, urging the planting of corn and root crops 

 to meet the wants of the coming year. Indian corn, especially 

 the improved King Philip, can be planted up to the 10th of June. 

 Corn of almost any kind will produce a valuable fodder crop up 

 to the first week in July. Buckwheat, field beans and pumpkins 

 may be sown until June 10th. Still later, a most important crop, 

 the root crop, can be put in. 



Dr. Trimble said that in the latitude of 42'^, upon the North 

 river, he had found the first of June to be the best time to plant 

 corn. He left the ground, a sod, unplowed until that time, then 

 plowed it, harrowed it thoroughly, and planted his corn. The 

 consequence was that it would germinate quickly, get the start 

 of the weeds, and require very little cultivation through the 

 season, compared with that planted earlier. And although the 

 corn would appear to be late, he had always found that the two 



