DEDICATION. V 



are obliged to pay such enormously high prices for the raw 

 material, say from L2s. to 16s. for a stone of 16 J Ib. of Flax, 

 which in 1858 was sold on an average at 7s. 3d. to 8s. 9d. 

 per stone, I sincerely hope that your Lordship will seriously 

 consider the importance of the growth of these plants in 

 India, as, in addition to them, your Lordship is already 

 aware I have proved that the wild rheea, pine-apple, 

 plantain, and other fibres of India, can be so prepared by my 

 patent machines and patent liquid, that they can be turned to 

 a great account in this country, and that too, to the complete 

 exclusion of the foreign Flax and hemp now so largely imported. 

 Being of opinion that I am correct in these observations, 

 I venture freely, but most respectfully, to submit them to 

 your Lordship's consideration, and more particularly to the 

 attention of the Government of India ; and I cannot but think 

 and hope, that my endeavours to place before your Lordship 

 and the Government, facts respecting the cultivation of such 

 important and indispensable materials as Flax and hemp, 

 which for many years have been, in consequence of our 

 increased consumption and total neglect of the cultivation 

 of the Flax plant, so great a source of profit to Continental 

 farmers and dealers, that your Lordship will consider the 

 subject deserving of your best attention. Trusting that 

 how ever plain or imperfectly I may have expressed my views, 

 in my several letters or remarks in this work, on the subject, 

 your Lordship and those noble proprietors of the soil who are 

 so deeply interested in agricultural matters, will consider that 

 I am seriously advocating what I believe will, if fostered and 

 promoted, draw millions from other countries into the British 

 Exchequer, and thus become a national benefit, 

 I have the honour to be, my Lord, 

 With profound respect, 



Your Lordship's obliged and faithful servant, 

 J. HILL DICKSON 



