The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1874-02-21


rtary 10th, 1874. discussing the ad-
visibility Of Introducing a new class
of productions, on suitahIe soils, In
various portions Qfthc country. classes
among those that he believes will
prove most profitable to Southern
Oregon farmers, the Sugar Rect. lie
says the Sugar Beet is ''easily raised
and is suitable to all our alluvial soils,
upon which forty tons per acre would
not be too much TO expect" Next
In poirt of profit, d. s. X. B. classes
''Ramie," }" for the production OF fibre,
and to the facts with regard to this
plant we wish to call .hc attention of
the farmers in the Willamette Valley.
"Ramie, =" says this correspondent, il
Il native Of the Island of Java. and
was first introduced into the United
States in 1867. III 1870. a Mr.. Lynch
introduced 1t into California, where it
has been successfully and profimbly
cultivated ever since. It is n peren-
nial, very hardy, rapid in its growth.
grows spontaneously after once
planted, aud Is harvested with Il reap
ing macliine--twice or thrice Il year
realizing about a ton per acre at each
cutting. The fibre is very white.
fine and glossy. 1t Is used in making
all kinds of cloth, from the c0arsest
duck to the finest dress goods. 1t is
in every respect equal TO silk. having
a gloss more like satin. aud il the
strongest fibre known, being stronger
than the best Belgian flax. It has a
carrot-shaped root that will penetrate
the soil to the depth of six or seven
feet. Once started. there is 10 stop
ping it. The fibre will grow from
five to nine feet ii length. The fibre
is worth from 20 to 30 cents pound
in its raw state, and the demand for
it il unlimited. Oakland, California,
has factory in successful operation,
and other factories, in various portions
OF that State. are about to be erected
for the manufacture of Jute. its proper
name when separated from the plant.
| If the above statements with regard
to Ramie or .Jute can be relied upon,
and we have no reason to doubt them,
1t would seem that its cultivation here
would prove very profitable. If it
will pay California to enter largely
into the production of the fibre, using
her uestand highest priced wheat lands
In its cultivation, with superior
market for her surplus grain, Oregon
ought also to make it a profitable
business. The cultivation ofthis plant
here would also open the way for the
i introduction of 4 new business en-
\ terprise. the manufacture of the fibre
into grain sacks, cloth, etc. While
California Giglt be depended upon,
probably, as good market for all the
fibre produced, yet it would be vastly
to our advantage to manufacture it
here in Albany. thus utilizing the
almost unlimited water power furnish
ed By the Albany & Santiam Canal,
increasing and diyersifying our bnsi-
ness interests, and adding largely to
the wealth and population of our city
and county. Any business enterprise
that increases the population and adds
to the wealth of our city, adds In a
corresponding ratio to the benefit and
general welfare of the surrounding
country. This is a matter well worth
| the attention Of our enterprising
farmers. and it is to be hoped they
will give it proper thought. Ramie
plants can be obtained from nursery
men in Alameda county. California.