ITS VALUE. 73 



system of cultivation, economy is obliged to be observed 

 both with regard to manure and the strength yet re- 

 maining in the land, both in respect to the labour and 

 the employment of time in summer, in consequence of 

 the scarcity of hands, it is impossible that any great 

 benefits can be derived from the greatly increased 

 extension of the cultivation of flax. On the other hand, 

 on land which has been enriched by successive applica- 

 tions of manure, on occupations where a large quantity 

 of manure is made and where labour is abundant (espe- 

 cially that of females), the crop may be widely cultivated 

 with advantage. 



"It is in those countries especially where spinning 

 and weaving are the principal resource of the population 

 during winter, that this plant ought to have the prefer- 

 ence over other vegetables that are grown for commercial 

 purposes. In such districts, it is often easy to sell the 

 crop while yet standing, and so to derive from it a consider- 

 able clear ready-money profit, without having the trouble 

 of undertaking the harvesting and subsequent manipula- 

 tion. It might thus turn out a good speculation to establish 

 spinning-mills and looms in many districts, in order to 

 give employment during the winter months to numbers 

 of work-people who might in summer-time devote them- 

 selves to the labours of the field. By such means, great 

 benefit would be conferred on the population of the 

 neighbourhood. Under those circumstances it is right 

 to extend the growth of flax and its preparation for 

 spinning, and it may then be done without inconve- 

 nience. If both these circumstances do not exist, the 

 culture of other vegetables used in commerce seems to 

 me preferable to that of flax, which should then remain 

 within the limits of the demand which exists for it at the 

 time and place.' 1 



Taking a general view of the subject, it is no doubt 

 desirable that the growth of flax should be greatly 

 extended in England, as matters stand at present. JSFot 

 only might we relieve ourselves of the very heavy tax 

 which we have hitherto paid to foreign countries for that 



