436 ADVICE TO SIR GEORGE VILLIERS. 



1 1 . The planting of hemp and flax would be an 

 unknown advantage to the kingdom, many places 

 therein being as apt for it, as any foreign parts. 



12. But add thereunto, that if it be converted 

 into linen-cloth or cordage, the commodity thereof 

 will be multiplied. 



13. So it is of the wools and leather of the king 

 dom, if they be converted into manufactures. 



14. Our English dames are much given to the 

 wearing of costly laces ; and, if they be brought from 

 Italy, or France, or Flanders, they are in great 

 esteem ; whereas, if the like laces were made by the 

 English, so much thread as would make a yard of 

 lace, being put into that manufacture, would be five 

 times, or, perhaps, ten or twenty times the value. 



15. The breeding of cattle is of much profit, 

 especially the breed of horses, in many places, not 

 only for travel, but for the great saddle ; the English 

 horse, for strength, and courage, and swiftness to 

 gether, not being inferior to the horses of any other 

 kingdom. 



16. The minerals of the kingdom, of lead, iron, 

 copper, and tin, especially, are of great value, and 

 set many able-bodied subjects on work; it were 

 great pity they should not be industriously followed. 



17. But of all minerals, there is none like to that 

 of fishing, upon the coasts of these kingdoms, and 

 the seas belonging to them : our neighbours, within 

 half a day s sail of us, with a good wind, can shew 

 us the use and value thereof; and, doubtless, there 



