The Trinity journal., 1856-11-22
The Culture of Flax.

The Culture OF Flax.
A large amount of bagging, twihe and
linseed oil is consumed in California, the
proceeds of foreign industry and manufac-
ture. while within our grasp Nature has
bountfuly spread the raw material, needing
but the gatherer and manufacturer to sup
ply all our wants Flax, and Of more
than ordinary excellent quality, grows
spontaneously, both in the Northern and
Southern sections of the State. and, with
but little cultivation, two crops yearly can
be produced from our fertile soil From the
seed is extracted linseed oil, while the refuse,
or cake, is most nutritious food for cattle
during the season Of the failure Of grass, and
is used universally by all the breeders in the
East to improve the condition Of kline
Linsced oil itself is one Of the most profitable
articles Of commerce. In demand throug-
bout the civilized world, in art as well as
science, ii commands and maintains staple
rate
The growth Of fax, like that Of hemp, is
a feature in the agricultural wealth of a
country that demands serious consideration,
and steps should be taken to make it pc
culiar branch Of California industry. From
ii the manufacturing arm Of labor takes its
growth also for the raw material is Of little
avail. except for fabrication. From the
first process tow is made, which can easily
and cXpeditiousIy be wove into gunny bags,
Of which an enormous amount have been i'm
ported into this state, and an article Of con
tiuuaI demand for hundreds Of different OBJ
jccts. The finer quality Of flax, lint, can be
spun into thread, and from thence wOye into
Iuen or, if the manufacture of the latter
prove too expensive, as thread, it can be
pro!itahly exported for manufacture. From
the stalk most excellent paper is made
The SEED, even whole, is an article which the
commercial world has put profitable value
on, while crushed by very simple process,
they yield l.nseed oil Of which, in the max
ing OF printing ink alone, an enormous guam
tlty is in demand and will continne TO III
crease as the world progresses-forpa painting
and printing the arts prcscryatiye Of art in
tie future, must increase in proportion with
their past history. From the refuse is made
the O.Icakc, an article Of home consumption
as well as commercial demand.
ireland is famed for her linen and flax :
norris France, Germany, Russia, the Neither
lands, Norway Sweden, Turkey, the Barba-
ry States and portions Of Asia behind her
From the earliest history flax has been a
famous culture. The ancients gloried in its
production and manufacture. and until
America gave her great staple, cotton, to
the world, it was the sole vegetable product
Whcrewith garments were made, at least
among the most civilized nations Of the
world
No reason exists why California should
not become a manufacturing State. The
force Of an unlimited fruitluIncss will deycloI
the future. The surface Of the country is
dotted with innumerable streams, which
can furnish the motive power We have
capital and talent, and the one can aid the
o,her in the erection and completion OF
machinery. There is no essential for the
prosperity Of manufactures lacking in our
midst, except the spirit Of enterprise to in
itiatc IT, once initiated we have energy
enough to push it to vigorous and success
lU issue.
In aiding, then, the inaugurating Of the
eva Of manufactures, which has been accom-
pi!,hcd in the erection Of paper mill and
Sugar refinery in our midst, will not some
catcrpr,ing citizens undertake the culture
Of fax? It is worthy, most worthy, Of
consideration, and We trust our hints thereon
viii receive the Samc--TnvR IHIf.