i6o 



NATURAL HISTORY OP THE FARM 



Fig 



weed pods. 



Cotton-bearing seeds issuing from milk- 



cottonwood , thistle 

 and milkweed, produc- 

 ing fiber abundantly. 



The fiber products 

 of the world's farms 

 are exceeded in value 

 only by 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 

 animals 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 yarns which may be knit or woven into 

 warm clothing for cold climates. The soft fibers of linen 

 make clothing that is cool and that may readily be kept 

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

 being produced in greatest abundance, make the cheapest of 

 clothing and are used in the greatest variety of ways, alone 

 and in combination with wool, flax and silk. 



