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estimable service to the agriculture and commerce of this 

 country. 



It may be objected that the ingenuity of man is always de- 

 vising schemes to obviate the necessity of employing workmen. 

 True. But if a fair proportion of mental power were brought 

 into the opposite service, this difficulty would be overruled, and 

 the most beneficial results accrue. Let mind encounter mind, 

 and thought meet thought. And while one party succeeds in 

 closing a door to maintenance, the other will immediately open 

 a new one. For instance, machines called Mules and Iron men 

 have thrown thousands of able-bodied operatives out of work, 

 and reduced the wages of others to a starvation price ; while, 

 on the other hand, the cultivation of flax has commenced, 

 which only requires to be nationally adopted to obtain for the 

 redundant population the employment, agriculture the sup- 

 port, and trade the encouragement, which each so greatly 

 needs. 



To insure success, a clear recognition of the solid principles 

 of Christian philanthropy, and an unconquerable determina- 

 tion to bring them into operation, are indispensable. Upon 

 these principles will our project be conducted, aided by a code 

 of rules and regulations which will doubtless receive the sanc- 

 tion and support of every true lover of his country. 



It is impossible, upon the present occasion, to enter into 

 every minute particular ; but I offer the following outline of 

 the plans suggested, that the public may form an idea of the 

 nature and design of the projected institution, and be induced 

 to strengthen the cause by their co-operation. 



It is proposed to limit the existence of the Society to the 

 period of four years ; and that no expenditure of time or of 

 funds upon yearly entertainments, or upon anything foreign to 

 the direct object, will be allowed. Hence it will be seen that 

 expedition, zeal, and perseverance will be the distinguishing 

 features of the Society's proceedings. That the interests of 

 Farmers' Clubs, Agricultural Associations, and Local Institu- 

 tutions, be especially advanced. That instructions for prepar- 

 ing the land, sowing the seed, and after-management of the 

 flax crop, be afibrded through working agents. That suitable 

 persons be provided to teach children the art of spinning flax. 



