76 FLAX. 



none can possibly exist to that of pauperism, which an 

 enlightened philanthropy may not overcome." 



Our author is doubtless right in suspecting that the 

 abolition of slavery in part, by superseding cotton with 

 flax, is not likely to be effected at present. The truth is, 

 that the two articles are so different in their nature and 

 application, that one can never exactly take the place of 

 the other. But he is also right in looking at home ; in 

 pointing to the privations suffered by the pauper popu- 

 lation of the present day ; and in advocating the cul- 

 ture of flax as a means of relief. "Why should not flax, 

 which in continental hands proves a sure source of wealth 

 and prosperity, be equally a blessing to the English 

 labourer, except that he is ignorant how to manage it, 

 and is not encouraged or aided by his superiors in learn- 

 ing its proper management ? We speak only of what we 

 know ; and repeat that in Prance and Belgium flax sup- 

 plies the never-failing means of comfort, industry, content, 

 and good conduct to thousands of our fellow-creatures. 

 Proud and happy indeed should we be were the present 

 book to be the instrument of spreading similar advan- 

 tages over our native land. All that is wanted is the 

 aid of capitalists, who will give the necessary preliminary 

 instruction. It may be thought by some that Mr. 

 Warnes puts the case too earnestly ; but his statements 

 at least deserve serious consideration. 



"Pauperism," he says, in 1850, "instead of abating, 

 rapidly increases ; thousands being annually born in that 

 condition, and the majority of the labouring classes ex- 

 periencing melancholy forebodings of their impending 

 fate. This unhappy state of society arises neither from 

 the want of money, nor of sources of employment, for 

 both on every hand abound ; but from the want of a 

 judicious combination of parties, whose duty and interest 

 it is to educate the rising generation compatibly with 

 their prospects, and to train them to industrial pursuits. 

 In order to render the United Kingdom prosperous, the 

 immense amount of our rates and of our charities should 

 be expended in reproductive works. No other effort is 



