l6o 



NATURAL HISTORY UP THE FARM 



"^If^ 



Fig. 64. Cotton-bearing seeds issuing from milk- 

 weed pods. 



Cottonwood, thistle 

 and milkweed, produc- 

 ing fibcT abundantly. 



The fiber products 

 of the world's fanns 

 are exceeded in value 

 only b>' the food pro- 

 ducts. The chief ani- 

 mal fibers are, in the 

 order of value, wool, 

 silk and hair: the 

 chief plant fibers are 

 cotton, flax and hemp. 

 None of the plants or 

 anhnals concerned is 

 native to our soil. 



We have not found out how to use any of the native fiber 

 products with profit. In this, as in so many other fields, 

 the great discoveries of nature's material resources were 

 made by our forefathers in other lands and in a far distant 

 age, antedating history. 



The chief use for fiber products is found in the making of 

 textiles. After feeding people, the next sure good, accord- 

 ing to Ruskin, is in clothing people; and this demands great 

 quantities of textiles. The kinky fibers of wool lend them- 

 selves ideally to the spinning process. They will hang 

 together in simple yams which may be knit or wo\'en into 

 wann clothing for cold climates. The soft fibers of linen 

 make clothing that is cool and that may readily be kept 

 clean for sun.mer use. The shorter and finer fibers of cotton, 

 being produce d in greatest abundance, make the cheai^est of 

 clothing and are used in the greatest variet}' of ^^•a^•s, alone 

 and in combination with wool, flax and silk. 



