130 DICKSON ON HIS FLAX MILLS 



news for him to learn that, without the expense of the 

 steam-engine or water-power, my invention for preparing 

 Flax and similar fibres, if introduced into the union work- 

 houses to employ the inmates, is calculated to convert the 

 establishments into what may be properly called NATIONAL 

 FACTORIES, for, as there is nothing to prevent the scutching 

 and other machines from being turned with ease by hand, 

 in the same way as a winnowing machine or barn-fanners, 

 I fearlessly assert that, through the aid of the workhouses 

 of Ireland, instead of the barrier against Flax-culture being 

 extended, can be instantly removed, and Ireland's waste 

 lands may be made to supply the wants now greatly felt 

 by British Flax-spinners, who are now paying one-third 

 more in price for Flax than they paid last year (1857) ; 

 however, I shall go into this matter at greater length 

 hereafter, but before doing so, let me call the reader's 

 attention to the advantages gained by one workhouse in 

 Ireland, the report of which I took from the Dublin Com- 

 mercial Journal, of January 20th, 1849 : 



"A MODEL WORKHOUSE. In the Ross Workhouse, Ire- 

 land, there are 200 wheels for spinning cotton, wool, 

 and Flax, at which the women are engaged. There is 

 also in it a large mill, which grinds five tons of Indian 

 <;orn weekly. In July the workhouse was indebted 3,000. 

 It has since not only paid off the debt, but has now 

 1,000 to its credit. In course of time a bakery and 

 brewery will be erected there. The boys are taught 

 -agricultural and other industrial pursuits. By thus em- 

 ploying the paupers, they are encouraged to habits of 

 industry and self-dependence." 



What greater proof do our Poor Law Commissioners 

 require than this practical working out of my views ? 



The Reverend Doctor Edgar, D.D., of Belfast, being anxious 

 to promote the cultivation of Flax in Connaught, recommends 



