116 



DICKSON ON FLAX AS A 



increased demand for the article of Flax and tow-yarns, which 

 continued to sell freely at double the price that it is just now. 



As the public can only form a correct judgment on a subject 

 that leads to discussion, by having the expressed opinions of 

 both parties placed before them, I have thought proper (because 

 of Mr. Stephen's complaints of misrepresentation of Mr. 

 Beamish's quotations from his work) to insert his reply, and 

 beg the reader to turn back to Mr. Beamish's remarks, and 

 judge of the fact. 



"Discussion on Flax-culture at Ballinasloe. — In 

 the Agricultural Gazette of the 22nd of November, page 791, 

 is a letter from Mr. J. H. Dickson, on the discussion of Flax- 

 culture at Ballinasloe, in which my name is treated in a very 

 unceremonious manner. Of fair criticism no author who 

 writes for the public has a right to complain, but misrepre- 

 sentations are unfair to every author. I am willing to believe 

 that the misrepresentations of Mr. Dickson are not wilful; 

 and yet he does not quote correctly from your number at 

 page 744, to which he refers, and these quotations again are 

 not accurately and fairly given from my book. As he, how- 

 ever, seems to write in earnest, I am also willing to believe 

 him when he says that 'I have not read the Booh of the Faring 

 and I dare say he thinks the book the production of a mere 

 theorist, and that I am a creature of 1 theoretical delusion.' 

 Now, what I would suggest to Mr. Dickson is this, to read my 

 book, at least what is said in it on the subject which has given 

 rise to his remarks, and to ascertain whether my sentiments 

 on the effects of the growth of Flax on the soil are in 

 accordance with the sentiments and experience of the Scottish 

 farmers on that subject. If he do this, and afterwards adhere 

 to the sentiments he has expressed towards me, both in the 

 letter and the spirit, then I shall respect the position he has 

 honestly taken up. And I also suggest that, should Mr. 

 Dickson be in Edinburgh ere long, he will favour me with a 



