When was it published?

March 12, 1840 in Staunton Spectator, And General Advertiser

Domestic News March 12, 1840

Staunton Spectator, And General Advertiser

Q: What keywords are associated?

Rocky Mountain Flax, Perennial Flax, Platte River, Indian Fishing Nets, Agricultural Potential

Staunton, Virginia

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What is this article about?

A perennial species of flax, similar to ordinary flax, found growing spontaneously near the Rocky Mountains on the head waters of the Platte. Described by Mr. Oakley as covering a vast prairie; used by Indians for fishing nets; potential superiority for cultivation if equal in quality.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Rocky Mountain Flax.—A species of Flax has been found growing spontaneously in the country adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, similar in many respects to the ordinary flax but perennial in its growth. It may be mowed like grass, and need not be pulled up every season. Mr. Oakley, who travelled through the country on the head waters of the Platte, last year, describes a vast prairie, thirty miles long and three miles broad, covered with a thick growth of this flax. It is said to be of a strong, tenacious fibre, and it is used by the Indians to make fishing nets. If this plant should be found to be equal to the flax which is now cultivated in the country in respect to fineness and strength, its perennial nature will give it a decided superiority, and render the culture of it far more easy and productive.—Amer.

What sub-type of article is it?

Agriculture

What keywords are associated?

Rocky Mountain Flax Perennial Flax Platte River Indian Fishing Nets Agricultural Potential

What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Oakley

Where did it happen?

Country Adjacent To The Rocky Mountains, Head Waters Of The Platte

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Country Adjacent To The Rocky Mountains, Head Waters Of The Platte

Event Date

Last Year

Key Persons

Mr. Oakley

Event Details

A species of Flax has been found growing spontaneously in the country adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, similar in many respects to the ordinary flax but perennial in its growth. It may be mowed like grass, and need not be pulled up every season. Mr. Oakley, who travelled through the country on the head waters of the Platte, last year, describes a vast prairie, thirty miles long and three miles broad, covered with a thick growth of this flax. It is said to be of a strong, tenacious fibre, and it is used by the Indians to make fishing nets. If this plant should be found to be equal to the flax which is now cultivated in the country in respect to fineness and strength, its perennial nature will give it a decided superiority, and render the culture of it far more easy and productive.