THE QUESTION OF FLAX CULTURE. 311 



the preservation of the seed a point hitherto not recognised 

 either by the theory or practice of past or present times. 



2nd. The national introduction of the crop can only be 

 achieved through the exercise of patriotism. On this ground 

 alone, I hold myself in readiness to co-operate with any parties, 

 regardless of every private consideration. 



I am, Sir, 



Your obedient Servant, 



JOHN WARNES. 

 Golden Cross, Charing Cross, 

 April 3rd, 1846. 



Without animal-manure for the land, and employment for 

 the people, it is impossible for agriculture to prosper. These 

 the flax crop will supply in an eminent degree, if properly 

 introduced : and I doubt not that the average produce of the 

 kingdom in corn and meat would be increased three or four 

 fold in a very few years. 



The value of manure obtained through my system, may be 

 discovered on comparison with artificial applications; the 

 latter being seldom of use beyond twelve months, while the 

 efficacy of the former is perceptible for three or four years. 

 Were islands of guano imported, the necessity of resorting to 

 native resources for manure could not be obviated. The more 

 this subject is investigated, the more clearly it will be seen 

 that the order of Providence has placed within the reach of 

 every farmer the means of re-production, without recourse to 

 foreigners either for food for his cattle or manure for his land. 

 The only obstacle centres in the fear of trouble, that bane to 

 agricultural improvement ! 



Did we live in an age of miracles, a greater evil could not 

 be inflicted than the power of obtaining provisions without 

 trouble, labour, and expense. Hence, were it possible that all 

 crops could be produced at the cost of a few pence per acre, 

 according to the agricultural certificates of Mr. Bickes, now 

 in London, a discovery more fatal to the nation could not have 

 been made ; for what farmer would trouble himself to breed, 



