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duly estimated. Because they will be enabled to retain at 

 least the condition of their cattle through the winter, and to 

 secure an abundance of efficacious manure. I refer to my 

 letter on the Use of Linseed (p. 130). 



But wherever flax-culture is extensively introduced, there 

 the rates will be found lightest, and the condition of the 

 people happiest. 



Travellers in Ireland never fail to notice the comparative 

 comfort of the jpoor in those districts where flax is cultivated 

 and where it is not. 



George Nicholls, Esq., one of the Poor Law Commis- 

 sioners, in his very useful book entitled "The Farmer," 

 says, " Can we doubt that what has thus been done in 

 Ireland ought also to be done in England? The soil 

 and the climate are at least as favourable for the growth 

 of flax here as they are there, or as they are in either 

 Holland or Belgium. Instructors may readily be obtained 

 from either of these countries, or persons might be sent from 

 hence to learn the various processes, and on their return they 

 might impart instruction to others. The result would, I am 

 confident, amply repay the outlay by the benefits it icould confer, 

 and the art once acquired would not be in danger of being 

 lost. * * * * I have seen flax growing on mere bog in 

 Ireland. The general introduction of the crop in England 

 would constitute a new and most valuable element in the rota- 

 tion, and would enable the farmer to vary and extend his 

 successions, which is in itself a highly important consideration. 

 * * * It may be safely asserted, therefore, that a flax- 

 crop rightly managed is not only valuable as affording increased 

 means of employment for our agricultural population, and 

 highly profitable for the purposes of the manufacturer, and for 

 the feeding of cattle, but that it moreover returns to the soil, 

 in the shape of manure, as much, if not more, than any of the 

 grain-crops." 



It is only within the last few weeks that I had the good 

 fortune to become acquainted with Mr. Nicholls and his writ- 

 ings. But, though short the time, abundant evidence has been 

 afforded me of the soundness and benevolence of his views ; 

 his constant aim being the advancement of the condition of 



