46 



The reader who may be disposed to trace the origin of the 

 flax movement, will discover, in the rise and fall of the Norfolk 

 Flax Society, much food for serious reflection. Those who 

 may be inclined to regard this narrative as a digression, must 

 be reminded that I was maligned in quarters where I had no 

 access, but where the above letters will be the medium of con- 

 veying my refutation. 



All parties^ however, will agree in condemning the policy 

 that excluded me from the Norfolk Flax Society, who alone 

 was able to conduct it; in proof of which, justice demands a 

 comparison between my present flourishing flax establishment 

 at Trimingham and the dying embers of the Norfolk Flax 

 Society, best conveyed through the following letter addressed 

 to the editor of the * Norfolk Chronicle' : — 



Sir, — Several years have elapsed since the meeting of a 

 society, that I had been instrumental in forming, took place. 

 It was called the " Norfolk Flax Society," and was held in 

 . St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich. 



Present were the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff" of 

 the county, the Bishop of Norwich, with a large assembly of 

 nobility and gentry. 



I had the honour of moving the first resolution, to the effect, 

 that flax-culture, as a means of employment to the poor, ought to be 

 vigorously promoted by every true lover of his country. 



The success of my advocacy, on that memorable day, was 

 of short duration : for, in less than twenty-four hours after the 

 meeting separated, a cloud, charged with mischief, arose to 

 mar the bright prospects that I had so recently depicted. 



Eventually, 1 resolved to pursue alone that path, which I in 

 vain pointed out as the only way to success. 



The cloud is now removed ; my work complete ; and the 

 unobstructed sun of prosperity shines upon the flax cause ; the 

 two main points that I endeavoured to enforce, viz., profitable 

 employment to the poor and reduction of rates, being clearly 

 established. 



I now invite all thoughtful, prudent, and philanthropic 

 persons to visit Trimingham, in order that they may see how 

 far I have carried out the spirit of my resolution, and witness 



