INSTRUCTION IN FLAX-DRESSING. 285 



It will be found that the want of instruction in the proper 

 management of the fibre, is the only real hindrance to success. 

 Even in this neighbourhood we have something to learn, par- 

 ticularly with respect to steeping and grassing. I have there- 

 fore engaged an instructor from Belgium, versed in all those 

 modern improvements which have rendered that country so 

 famous for the production of the most valuable flax. My agree- 

 ment with the foreigner has especial reference to the teaching 

 of English youths ; and I take this opportunity of observing, 

 that young active labourers of good character, from any part 

 of the kingdom, may be sent immediately to Trimingham to 

 acquire a knowledge of the business. 



In the course of three or four months they will return com- 

 petent to teach others, and be the means of disseminating 

 information in the only effectual way ; for though every pro- 

 cess is simple and easy of attainment, written explanations 

 cannot obviate the necessity of practical illustration. 



The only expenses incurred will be for travelling and main- 

 tenance, which for each pupil cannot exceed 101. ; a sum insig- 

 nificant compared to the benefit derived : because 101. may be 

 either lost or saved in the preparation of only one acre of good 

 flax. This sum might be raised by agricultural societies, or by a 

 union of parties interested in the growth of the plant, at 6d. or 

 Is. a week each for the time proposed. I mention these particu- 

 lars in order to show by what simple means great objects may be 

 accomplished ; and 1 trust that the arrangement will be accept- 

 able to all my correspondents who can conveniently avail 

 themselves of it, or to others who may have been induced to 

 sow flax at my instigation. 



If the Irish, who have been growers of flax from time imme- 

 morial, found it desirable to form societies, and to introduce 

 Belgians to improve their system of management, how much 

 more necessary must it be for those districts to adopt similar 

 plans where flax was never grown before. The finest crops, if 

 not properly handled, will fail to remunerate ; but if treated 

 according to the Belgian system, no farm produce, at the pre- 

 sent period, repays so well. For instance, since the publication 

 of the Report of the National Flax Association, Mr. Smith, of 

 Gunton, sold to the Messrs. Marshall, of Leeds, the produce of 



