STEM FIBERS 457 



duck, and other strong materials. The finer strands are woven 

 into good linens, such as table linen, towels, and handkerchiefs. 

 The finest fibers are made into laces, embroideries, and expensive 

 trimmings. 



The bast fibers of jute and hemp are not used extensively in 

 the making of clothing, but they are widely used for potato 



FIG. 325. A flax field. 



bags, sailcloths, burlap, curtains, carpets, plush, rope, twine, and 

 other similar articles. The fineness or coarseness of fibers de- 

 pends greatly upon the manner in which the plants are culti- 

 vated. If flax plants (Fig. 325) are crowded together, they 



