FLAX MEETINGS IN SUFFOLK. 329 



were sown last year, and the calculation is that the value of the pro- 

 duce, at the low price of 451. per ton, would amount to 1,707,150/. 

 At the same time, I know that some has been sold so high as 1401. per 

 ton, and a great deal at 641. and 701. per ton." 



The above statements are either true or false. If false, they deserve 

 a nation's censure ; if true, a nation's adoption. Happily I can speak 

 to their correctness in every material point ; for I have in my possession 

 ample proof from the parties alluded to, and from Captain Skinner, 

 secretary to the Irish Flax Improvement Society. I visited Ireland 

 for the purpose of inquiring into the correctness of those reports of 

 which I had heard so much, and I was introduced to the most influ- 

 ential parties at and around Belfast. I attended their public meetings 

 and flax-markets. I saw their spinning and scutching mills, and no 

 information was withheld. I have, since, not ceased to promulgate my 

 views and experience. The result has been the growth of some hun- 

 dred acres of flax, and the fattening of thousands of bullocks upon 

 linseed. The soil and climate of this country have been proved supe- 

 rior to any part of the world for the production of seed, and equal for 

 that of flax. Public meetings have been convened in various parts, on 

 which occasions numerous specimens of foreign and home-grown flax 

 and seed were exhibited, particularly at Ipswich, in Suffolk. To the 

 latter meeting the Rev. Daniel Gwilt was invited by advertisement, of 

 which the following is a copy : 



" The Ipswich and Ashbocking Farmers' Club cordially invite the 

 Public to their Annual Meeting and dinner, on the 3rd day of Novem- 

 ber, at Ipswich, when, to the customary exhibition of Farm Produce, 

 Specimens of Flax and Linseed grown in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, and 

 other counties, will be added. 



" The method of Steeping and Drying Flax, of extricating the Seed 

 from the Bolls, the Fibre from the Stalks, and the Spinning of Linen 

 Yarn, will be practically illustrated. 



" To show the various purposes to which this important plant is ap- 

 plied, Flax, from the most inferior to the most costly articles of manu- 

 facture, will be submitted to public inspection. 



" Arrangements will be made for the exhibition of Crushing Ma- 

 chines, at work with Steam Apparatus, and Coppers for forming Lin- 

 seed, Grain, Pulse, or Potatoes, into a cheap compound to fatten Cattle, 

 instead of Foreign Oil-cake. 



" Pattern Boxes, upon an economical construction, for Grazing Bul- 

 locks, protecting them against Flies, and preserving the Manure, will 

 be erected in the Show-yard. 



" A variety of Agricultural Implements will be displayed, and inform- 



