32 FLAX CULTURE 



The Tariff Commission appointed in 

 1882 paid a good deal of attention to flax, 

 and incidentally much that is interesting 

 came out in the testimony. Mr. Hiram 

 Sisson of Eagle Bridge, N.Y., appeared 

 before the commission as representing 

 the flax-growing industry. His testimony 

 is so instructive that it is quoted at 

 length : 



Q. How much capital in round numbers is in- 

 vested in the manufacture of flax, jute, and hemp 

 fibre to be used in textile fabrics in this country ? 



A. I am not prepared to state. 



Q. Is there any considerable amount invested ? 



A. They are raising a great deal of flax in the 

 West at present, but it is for seed only. 



Q. I am not talking about that ; but I understand 

 from the paper submitted by your association (Flax 

 and Hemp Spinners' and Growers') that you recom- 

 mend an additional duty on the raw material, rather 

 in the hope of encouraging the growth of the raw 

 product in this country for the purpose of manufac- 

 ture hereafter, than for the purpose of protecting an 

 agricultural industry, if I may so call it, which has not 

 attained any considerable magnitude. 



A. We are in hopes, if we could get more protec- 

 tion, that this business would increase and enlarge. 



