86 TLAIC. 



aid of a very close scrutiny, it will be seen that several 

 pounds might be placed to the acknowledged profit of 

 9 4s., and that a sum, clear of all expenses, was realized, 

 greatly exceeding the profit from any other crop. 



The foregoing statements, although incomplete, in con- 

 sequence of the imperfect way in which flax-growing is 

 understood in England, are still sufficient to show that 

 the crop, with proper management, is capable of proving 

 a mine of wealth. Any future modification of similar 

 balance-sheets will .be more likely to be in favour of the 

 farmer and the flax-factor than against them, as soon as 

 the routine of their business becomes more familiar to 

 themselves and the men in their employment. The 

 pecuniary profits thus held out, would appear tempting 

 enough to stimulate the enterprize of British agriculturists. 

 On the other hand, a few words on the immense amount 

 of employment which this branch of culture originates, 

 will suffice to recommend it to the attention of the states- 

 man and philanthropist, and must close the subject, as 

 far as our space can be devoted to it. The reader will 

 perceive that we might, with ease, enlarge upon it greatly. 

 We only urge him to inquire, and see, and experimenta- 

 lise for himself. But we do not promise that flax-growing 

 will insure a high rate of wages to the labourer or 

 the operative. Competition in the labour market will 

 probably ever keep down that. It does what, perhaps, is 

 better ; it insures a source of constant employment. And 

 we insist upon the consideration that, in times of dearth 

 and national difficulty, half a loaf, though hardly earned, 

 is far better than no work and no bread at all. 



The Messrs. Marshall and the Messrs. "Wilkinson, of 

 Leeds, were spinning, at a given date, thirty tons of flax 

 each per week, which, supposing four acres of land 

 requisite to produce a ton, would annually require 12,480 

 acres, and 3,640 experienced first-rate men, allowing each 

 3^ acres, to pull, beetle, hand-scutch, or otherwise pre- 

 pare the flax and seed. Were persons of both sexes and 

 of various ages employed, double the number, or 7,280 

 individuals would be required, and their wages would 



