TO THE SECOND EDITION. 13 



ing the grass in boxes. The cattle also, screened from flies, 

 would fatten ; and return a profit by summer-grazing, now 

 seldom if ever obtained. Thus will the boxes be found 

 even of more value than in winter. 



To render the whole system truly English, nothing is 

 required except that the grazier should grow his own lin- 

 seed, which, I repeat, is more valuable than the average of 

 other crops, independent of the stalks. 



Through the use of linseed, therefore, the cultivation 

 of flax may be considered established, which kings and 

 parliaments failed to enforce either by laws, rewards, or 

 fines. History records these facts ; but in no instance do 

 we find that princes themselves set the example of cul- 

 tivating the plant. This blank has been left to be filled 

 up by His Royal Highness Albert the Prince Consort. 



" Qua locus Erigonen inter Chelasque sequentes 

 Panditur : ipse tibi jam brachia contrahit ardens 

 Scorpius, et coeli justa plus parte relinquit." 



As " Example is beyond Precept," so I augur, from 

 the introduction of flax-culture upon the estates of Prince 

 Albert, the progression and permanent establishment of 

 the flax-cause ; for on my representing to the Prince 

 that it involved the interests of the working classes, he 

 immediately turned to General Wemyss, and said, "We 

 will grow flax." 



His Eoyal Highness then entered with freedom and 

 acuteness into the subject of flax-culture, with the use of 

 the seed, boxes, &c., and expressed his approbation of 

 my system, and the pleasure he had derived from our 

 casual interview at Cumberland Lodge. 



The exquisite appearance of the growing flax-plant, 

 the elegance of the stalk, and the beauty of the flower, 



