I 



21 



Warnes said that cattle can be fed at home without the heavy 

 expense of foreign oil-cake. If a proper and sufficient supply 

 of fattening materials could be obtained at home, it was most 

 desirable. There had been a perfect glut of barley. From 

 the new compound a greater proportion of manure could be 

 obtained than at present. If every farmer grew linseed to mix 

 with barley, his supply of manure would be greater than if he 

 had to apply to a neighbouring merchant. As to the growth 

 of linseed, they had seen the specimens that had been grown in 

 that neighbourhood, and therefore there was no lack of inform- 

 ation. He (Mr. Partridge) had his attention drawn to it by a 

 paragraph in the newspaper. He immediately ordered a small 

 portion to be sown in very bad land. One or two of the specimens 

 of the produce had been exhibited, and, as far as Mr. Partridge's 

 judgment went, it was a crop that would pay better than any 

 crop of corn that could be grown. In conclusion, he moved 



'• That as the soil and climate of England are highly suitable 

 for the growth of Flax, it is resolved that a Society shall be 

 formed to promote the cultivation of that important plant in 

 Norfolk, having for its object the advancement of Agriculture, 

 and the finding of employment for the poor." 



Mr. NoRFOR seconded the resolution. He considered that 

 they were deeply indebted to Mr. Warnes for having turned 

 his attention to the subject. He (Mr. Norfor) had spent much 

 time abroad, and had made particular inquiries into the Agri- 

 culture of Belgium, where flax was grown to a considerable 

 extent. In the rotation of crops flax was introduced to a con- 

 siderable extent, and was considered a valuable crop. In one 

 part of the country in particular, women were to be seen in the 

 day time at almost every door breaking flax, which in the 

 evening they prepared and manufactured for market. If the 

 growth of flax were introduced under a proper system, he saw 

 no reason why it should not prosper in this country. In Bel- 

 gium flax was grown for the double purpose of seed and fibre, 

 but they considered that the flax was never so valuable as when 

 it was pulled in the green state. When they pull the flax 

 green, they take off" the seed and ripen it in the sun. Taking 

 the value of the seed at the present price, 255., it must be a 



