COUNTRIES PRODUCING FLAX. 141 
of the (say) 80,000 tons imported from different countries may 
be judged of by the following table, as given in the Jury 
Report of Class IV, p. 96, calculated: on the average imports 
of 1840, 1844, and 1849. The details are given in the 
successive editions of M‘Culloch’s ‘Commercial Dictionary,’ 
and will be given for one year at the conclusion of this article. 
1840. 1844, 1849. 
Russia ei 3 69 70 74 
Prussia : ll 10 10 
Holland . 9 8 65 
Belgium. . 65 7 4 
France é 35 35 15 
Other Countries . Gs 15 45 
The increase under the last head, in this table, is chiefly 
due to the importation of Flax from Egypt. Some is also im- 
ported from Italy, Sicily, and Turkey. Much Flax is grown 
in Ireland, and also in the West and North of England. 
Though all the above countries produce some coarse Flax, 
it is chiefly from Russia, Prussia, and Egypt that this kind is 
imported, and is that which is chiefly required in increasing 
quantities. In a letter with which I have been favoured from 
Mr. J. M‘Adam, he observes—‘It is certain that all hot 
countries, or those which, like Russia, have a short, warm 
summer, cannot furnish fine Flax fibre; but it is precisely 
coarse fibre that is now so much wanted. The bulk of fine 
Flax used in the linen manufacture is trifling compared with 
the coarse. A Belfast or Leeds mill of 5000 spindles will 
consume only 200 to 250 tons of Flax annually; while one of 
the same size, at Dundee or Kirkaldy, will consume 1000 to 
1200 tons. Belgium, Holland, France, and Ireland can supply 
all the world with fine fibre; but Russia and Egypt cannot 
keep pace with the demand for coarse.” The quality of the 
latter has, however, greatly improved of late years. “ Fifteen 
years ago, Egyptian Flax was selling at Belfast for £24 a ton, 
and, in some cases, as low as £18. It now readily brings £30 
to £40 on an average, and since the war has run up to £56.” 
The above average prices ought to pay for its growth in India, 
