212 THE FLAX SUPPLY ASSOCIATION. 



From this time forward the amounts began to fall off, for in 1874 ^^^Y 

 three mills were supplemented— 



Dunmanway, Co. Cork. ;^90 

 Rosscarbery, „ 60 



Kilworth, „ 20 



No loans were made in 1875, and in 1876 there were only two small sums 

 disposed of amounting to £yo. 



In 1872 the amount allotted for prizes was £g^, and in 1873 it had 

 dwindled down to £'^y. Abuses commenced to creep in, and on the recom- 

 mendation of the Secretary, prize-giving was discontinued. 



In the report of the latter year (1873), the Secretary, after referring to 

 unfavourable seasons, enhanced cost of labour, and increased value of stock, 

 writes as follows : — " Viewing these facts, flax culture in Ireland is in a some- 

 what uncertain condition, and resolves itself into a question of maintenance, 

 rather than of extension." 



In the end, the executive committee recommended that the Association 

 should be kept in working order so as to be ready to embrace any opportu- 

 nity to foster flax in the South and West, and in the meantime turn atten- 

 tion to the much-needed improvement in the manipulation and scutching of 

 flax in the North, where it is still largely grown. 



