REPLY TO "CINOINNATUS." 289 



No. I. 

 ON THE FLAX CROP AND THE USE OF LINSEED. 



To the Editor of the Farmer s Journal. 



SIR, 



IN your paper of last week 1 perceive a letter headed 

 by the following question : " Is an extended cultivation of 

 flax necessary, or profitable in this country ? " The writer has 

 assumed the name of Cincinnatus, a Roman patriot, who, for 

 the love of his country, left his plough, and sacrificed for a time 

 his private interests. The modern Cincinnatus, however, 

 smothers the patriotism of his own questions by tales of his 

 youth ; and by asserting, as facts, evils that have long ceased 

 to exist, and by offering theories that have no foundation, 

 except in his own imagination. 



But, before I proceed, allow me to acknowledge the gratifica- 

 tion I derived from the perusal of your subjoined reply, and cor- 

 dially to thank you for your warm recommendation of my book. 



In " Cincinnatus " I think I recognise a former opponent ; 

 and though I had resolved to pass over the remarks of anony- 

 mous writers, I feel constrained upon the present occasion to 

 pursue an opposite course, under the hope that it may lead to 

 some public benefit. 



To the first question, viz., " Is an extended cultivation of 

 flax necessary ? " 1 reply, absolutely so ; because of the unem- 

 ployed population and consequent evils. To the second, viz., 

 " Or, is it profitable in this country ? " I answer, more so, 

 under the improved system, than any other crop. 



With reference to the first question, it is a remarkable coin- 

 cidence, that I had scarcely commenced this letter before three 

 youths, each under seventeen years of age, and belonging to 

 neighbouring parishes, applied to me for work. I referred them 

 to my flax-agent, who will require the services of many young 

 persons through the present winter. Now, were all other pa- 

 rishes similarly provided with flax, the greatest blessings would 

 be conferred upon the poor, and rates be rendered nominal, as 

 at Trimingham. Need I adduce stronger evidence in favour of 

 an extended cultivation? And would not the Roman Cincin- 

 natus have contemplated the picture with patriotic delight ? 



