[ 37S } 



fhillings the third. The rcafon of this fuppofed 

 declining value of the land, in proportion to the 

 number of years fown with flax, is, that it is ufual 

 with them to feed it for the purpofe of making 

 oil, that being the principal caufe of the land be- 

 ing thereby impovcrilhed. 



It will not appear ftrange, that fuch rents fhould 

 be given for lands which produce from fifty to fe- 

 venty (lone per acre, which, when dreffed, fell on 

 the average from feven to nine fhillings a ftune, 

 or twenty-four pounds value per acre. 



But the profitable growth of hemp and flax 

 is not confined to rich foils. Experience hath 

 evinced, that they will grow well on poor fandy 

 land, if a little expence be bellowed in mamw 

 ring it. 



Spalding-Moor in Lincolnfhire is a barren fand, 

 and yet, with proper care and culture, it produces 

 the fined hemp in England, and in large quantities, 



. In the Ifie of Axholme, in the fame county, 

 equal quantities are produced,- for the culture 

 and management of it is the principal employ of 

 the inhabitants ; and, according to Leland 4 was 

 fo in the reign of Henry Vlllth. 



Bb % Ixk 



