•THE FIBER CROPS 



285 



Then it is stacked and later the fiber is separated by 

 machinery. The seed is not so eagerly sought by paint 

 manufacturers as is that of flax, although considerable 



Fig. 125. — A Kentucky hemp field. 



use is made of it as an ingredient of oil colors and var- 

 nishes. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Name the three principal fiber crops of America and tell 

 where each is grown. 



2. What two portions, or parts, of these fiber plants are 

 used and why is each valuable ? 



3. Name five reasons why the southern part of the United 

 States is adapted to the culture of cotton. 



4. Give a good crop rotation for a cotton plantation and 

 tell why such a rotation is important. 



5. State briefly how to prepare and plant a field of cotton. 



6. Tell briefly how cotton is picked and how the seed is 

 separated from the lint. 



