PROGRESS OF THE FLAX CAUSE. 305 



ago I wrote Wm. Dyball to send me one of the self-acting chaff-cutters, 

 and to inform me about a grain-crusher, so ^that I hope ere long to 

 prove thy suggestions not only interesting, but profitable also. I 

 believe the cultivation of flax is quite unknown in this locality, and 

 that my own lease prohibits its growth. I congratulate thee on the 

 increased attention it receives with you, and am, 



Thy friend, 



WM. MATTHEWS. 

 Clay -pits Earlscolne, 2, 21, 46. 



The above frank and manly letter will be read with no 

 common interest, and be received as an earnest of my pro- 

 mises to afford, through your paper, authentic information 

 respecting the benefits derived from the adoption of my plans. 

 On this account I have of late recommended several noble- 

 men and gentlemen to read the Farmer s Journal, and I re- 

 joice in the present opportunity of directing their serious 

 attention to the clear and simple details contained in the letter 

 of Mr. Matthews. 



I am constantly in the receipt of similar acknowledgments, 

 and have reason to hope that gentlemen in various counties 

 will offer the fair results of their experience, through your 

 columns, for the public good. 



Thus will our great and noble flax cause, of which box- 

 feeding is an important appendage, be speedily established. 

 I say great and noble, because who can but acknowledge the 

 magnanimity of an undertaking that provides work for the 

 weaker hands at adequate wages, such as were paid last week 

 to that portion of my flax-scutchers, viz., to a boy of ten years 

 old, 3s. \\d. ; to another of fourteen, 6s.; another of sixteen, 

 7s. ; a small girl received 2s. $d. ; and two married women, 

 3s. 9c?. each, allowing them sufficient time to attend to their 

 domestic affairs. Altogether I have fifteen flax-dressers, 

 the more experienced of whom were paid at a higher rate. 

 Being task-work, and most of the people novices, as you can 

 testify, their earnings will increase as they become more expert. 

 Need I add more at present than to subscribe myself yours 

 and the public's 



Most obedient servant, 



JOHN WARNES. 

 Trimingham, Dec. 24, 1846. 



