Vill PREFACE. 
above increase in the Imports has been chiefly in the lower 
qualities of Fibre, it is reasonable to expect that some 
demand may arise for those which are superior in point. 
of strength and equal fineness, to any which are imported, 
and that they will be able to bear the expenses of 
freight, &c., at least as well as the others. 
While this sheet is passing through the press, a debate 
on “the Trade with Russia,” has taken place in the House 
of Commons, on the 2Ist of February; when it was 
stated, that there had been recently a considerable impor- 
tation of Hemp from India, but that ruinous losses had 
been sustained on the Linseed from India. This must 
have been of the ordinary produce of the country, and not 
the consequence of extended cultivation, produced by 
increased demand. A mise of price probably took place in 
the local markets, in expectation of higher prices prevailing 
in this country. Bombay Hemp, as observed at p. 288, 
usually sells there at from Rs. 5 to Rs. 8 in June; but in 
June, 1854, the price was Rs. 11 per cwt. But as this rise 
in price did not take place, the Linseed had to be sold at. 
the ordinary rates; at which, however, Indian Linseed can 
compete with others, as is proved by the large and increasing 
imports from India. It was also asked, in the same debate, 
“Why does not he (the merchant) go to India now for it 
(that is, Flax), and the speaker replied, “on account of the 
difference of price.” Little Flax is produced in India, for 
reasons which have been fully detailed in this work. But 
there is no reason to believe that it will be dearer than in 
other countries, when grown in suitable localities. In a 
letter from the Messrs. Noble, it was well stated, that a 
temporary stoppage of the trade “ would give an impetus to 
the growers of fibres in the Colonies ;” and that “the pro- 
ducers would be able to send it (after they were once fairly 
started), at prices that would compete with Russian Hemp, 
when at its lowest prices; and it would also be of great 
