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soil, climate, and genius of the people, could not possibly have 

 been proposed than that of an extensive culture of flax upon 

 the plan which I have so long recommended ; a business 

 which every grade of the British community contributes, more 

 or less, to promote in foreign countries, to the advancement of 

 foreign interests. It is true that we export linen to the 

 amount of several millions a year ; but it must always be 

 remembered that we first import the raw material to the yearly 

 amount of five millions. To retain this enormous sum is the 

 object for which the National Flax Association was formed. 

 We have succeeded in proving, beyond controversy, that we 

 can produce this raw material. And, when we consider that 

 thousands of our countrymen are, at the present time, reduced 

 to the most aggravated distress, it cannot be doubted but that 

 the philanthropy of the British public will respond to the call, 

 and co-operate with an Institution through which every pos- 

 sible encouragement will be offered to the growers of flax. 

 The want of knowledge as to the best methods of preparing 

 flax, appears to have been the main cause of former failures ; 

 to avoid the repetition of which, by the location of competent 

 instructors, will be the care of the National Association, 



7 he advocacy of this great cause no longer rests upon my 

 individual efforts, but upon the sound, thinking, and intelligent 

 part of the community ; upon minds that perceive the vast- 

 ness of the undertaking and are willing to lend their powerful 

 aid in carrying it out. The prospect of success is before us; 

 and I confidently anticipate that time and circumstances, under 

 the guidance of a merciful Providence, will bring about a 

 happy realization. 



The following letter was taken from the ' Gentleman's 

 Magazine ' of 1742 : — 



The Produce arisivg from One Aa'c of Ground soum with 

 Flax-seed considered. 



Sir, — Cybele, who was no other than the Earth, was, with 

 good reason, looked upon as the Mother of all the Gods, be- 

 cause it is from the due cultivation of the earth that all sub- 



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