Xlll 



vation, would produce more flax tlian the redundant 

 population could prepare for market ; be the means of 

 circulating annually, chiefly in wages, three millions 

 of money in the rural districts, and of retaining between 

 two or three millions besides, now sent abroad for lin- 

 seed, oil, and cake. The accuracy of these depositions 

 may be ascertained by a reference to Government 

 Returns, and to the Reports of the Irish Flax Improve- 

 ment Society. It will then be found that the sums 

 specified may be doubled. 



That a cause of such vital importance should have 

 rested so many years upon individual effort and expense 

 must strike the reader with astonishment. But, regard- 

 less of every consideration except that of national be- 

 nefit, I prosecuted my labours, and am enabled to look 

 back upon my losses, mortifications, and disappoint- 

 ments with composure. 



During the past year my farm has been a source of 

 continued attraction to visitors, the number of my cor- 

 respondents been greatly increased, and the compound 

 system of fattening cattle, added to the erection of boxes, 

 rapidly extended. 



Thus far the soundness of my theory and practice is 

 confirmed. Additional proofs also have been afforded 

 that, in every part of the kingdom where corn can be 

 produced, the soil is favourable to the growth of flax ; 

 and that the crop would be extensively cultivated, pro- 

 vided Societies were established for the preparation of 

 the fibre, or factors found to purchase the stalks accord- 

 ing to the Continental system. A Flax Company has 

 already been formed at Ipswich ; the first report of 

 which is favourable to the undertaking, and the culture 



