FIBER CROPS 189 



In harvesting for fiber, hemp should be cut when the stami- 

 nate plants are in full flower. When cut earlier the fiber is 

 weak ; if later, it is coarse and harsh. As is the case with 

 other crops, if the best quality of product is produced, continual 

 care must be given to seed selection. 



QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS 



1. Compare cotton with corn as to importance in the United States. 

 What is the money value of cotton in comparison with our other important 

 crops ? 



2. What kinds of cotton are best adapted to the different kinds of 

 soil? Why? 



3. W T hy must the stand of cotton be thinned? 



4. In what ways has the invention of the cotton gin affected the cotton 

 industry? How has this affected other industries? Prepare a brief report 

 on Eli Whitney. 



5. Secure and present data upon the value of cotton seed or its products 

 for feeding farm animals. 



6. Upon an outline map of North America shade the regions where 

 cotton is grown. Indicate in darker shading the regions where the best 

 yields of cotton are made. 



7. How is the land fertilized for cotton? What rotation of crops is 

 best for cotton? If you are in a cotton-growing state, get your experiment- 

 station reports upon the best rotations to be used. 



8. How may quail benefit the farmer in connection with the cotton 

 crop ? Secure data upon the food of the quail and make class reports upon 

 the question. Secure reports dealing with the cotton-boll weevil. 



9. Why should the farmer pay attention to seed selection in growing 

 cotton ? 



10. Should a Southern farmer raise cotton exclusively, or should he 

 practice diversified farming ? Give reasons on both sides of the question. 



11. Discuss the importance and the uses of flax in the United States. 



12. For what is flax straw used in Russia? Why is the straw not used 

 in the United States ? 



13. Discuss the preparation of flax straw for market. 



14. Give the history of hemp and discuss its importance. 



15. When should hemp be seeded? When should it be harvested? 



