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to the manufacturers of that article as to the growers of 

 corn. 



We hear of no objection to the growth of flax except from 

 cotton manufacturers, who are perpetually exclaiming, " We 

 cannot eat flax ;" while flax-spiimers in particular, and all who 

 are conversant with the real properties of the crop, recommend 

 and encourage its culture. Both parties are zealous advocates 

 for free trade. The cotton- spinner, however, foreseeing the 

 injurious effect that a supply of cheap linen would have upon 

 calico, endeavours to mislead the public with respect to the object 

 of the patriotic promoters of the flax cause. He also aims at the 

 removal of restrictive duties upon corn, regardless of throwing a 

 large proportion of our fields out of cultivation, and of our 

 rural population out of work. 



But the flax-spinner, on the contrary, offers, as some com- 

 pensation for free trade, the circulation of that capital at home 

 which he now sends abroad for the purchase of flax ; a circu- 

 lation in which is involved five or six millions every year — the 

 employment of all descriptions of idle hands — and the reduction 

 of poor-rates. 



Under these circumstances, it behoves both landlord and 

 tenant to become thoroughly acquainted with this important 

 subject, remembering, "that flax is a double crop; that the 

 seed alone remunerates ; and that whatever the fibre produces 

 above the cost for labour, is gain." 



It will be found that the want of instruction in the proper 

 management of the fibre, is the only real hindrance to success, 

 Even in this neighboui-hood we have something to learn, par- 

 ticularly with respect to steeping and grassing, I have there- 

 fore engaged an instructor from Belgium, versed in all those 

 modern improvements which have rendered that country so 

 famous for the production of the most valuable flax. My agree- 

 ment with the foreigner has especial reference to the teaching 

 of English youths; and I take this opportunity of observing, 

 that young active labourers of good character, from any part 

 of the kingdom, may be sent immediately to Trimingham to 

 acquire a knowledge of the business. 



In the course of three or four months they will return com- 



