xcn 



INTRODUCTION. 



In 1850 there was less than five and a half ounces of flax raised in the whole States and Terri 

 tories to each inhabitant, and in 18GO less than two and a half ounces to each person. 



The New England States raised one-third of an ounce to each person in 1850, and only six-hun- 

 dredths of an ounce in 1860. 



The middle States produced 4.25 ounces in 1850 to each inhabitant, and 3.68 ounces in 1860. 



The western States produced over ten ounces to each inhabitant in 1850, and only three ounces in 1860. 



The southern States produced over four ounces in 1850 to each person, and only 1.52 ounces in 1860. 



As we have before remarked, there can be little doubt that since the census was taken, there has 

 been considerable increase in the growth of flax; but making full allowance for this probable increase, 

 the production of flax in the United States, with a climate admirably adapted for its growth, is exceed 

 ingly small. The principal cause of this is doubtless owing to the high price of labor, which renders 

 the preparation of the crop more expensive than it is in other countries from which our imports of 

 flax are derived. If the machines recently introduced for dressing flax shall prove as efficient as present 

 experience indicates, the production of flax, stimulated by the high price of cotton, will greatly increase. 



FLAX-SEED. 



Bushels of flax-seed produced in the United Stales in 1860. 



We have not space to go into a detailed examination of the production of flax-seed in the different 

 sections. We may remark, however, that Ohio produces more flax-seed than any other State. Indiana 

 stands next. 



The States and Territories in 1850 produced 502,312 bushels of flax-seed, and 5GG,8G7 bushels 

 in I860; showing an increase of only a little over four thousand bushels. 



