138 



DICKSON ON THE 



cheers,) I have taken the liberty of saying so much on 

 this subject, because I referred to it last year, and then 

 recommended a similar course to that which I now propose. 

 That course is, for the farmers themselves clearly to settle 

 what ought to be done between the parties, to determine upon 

 the fairest mode of doing it, and then, after the question 

 has been fully canvassed throughout the country, to propose 

 the course which they recommend at some such meeting as 

 the present • when I think we can satisfactorily estabtablish 

 a system] of " tenant right (though 1 do not exactly like 

 that term) — as beneficial in its- operation as that adopted in 

 Lincolnshire. (Cheers.) It is very true, that you may, where 

 the matter is leffc ^to the free agency of all parties, sometimes 

 meet with a difficult person to deal with, and one perhaps, 

 who will not agree to your wishes. But you will always find 

 some such persons in every transaction. There are obstinate 

 landlords, and tenants, and labourers. But these are the 

 exception and not the rule ; and when I see such an array of 

 respectable men and of gentry as are now sitting at this 

 table—and when, as yesterday, I see such an array of labourers 

 all uniting together and respecting each other, I cannot doubt 

 that what I say, as to material good feeling existing amongst 

 us, will be considered by you not merely as a figure of speech 

 to adorn an after-dinner address, but as expressive of that 

 feeling which really does exist between all classes. That 

 feeling, I doubt not, we shall soon carry home with us and use 

 all our exertions towards carrying into operation. (Cheers.) 

 You will pardon me if I take this opportunity of speaking on 

 a matter of very inferior moment, it is true, to the last I have 

 touched upon, but still one in which as you know, I have 

 taken considerable interest— I mean the CULTIVATION OF 

 Flax. I hope I may be permitted to say two or three words 

 on this subject, in the absence of Mr. Schomberg, who I am 

 sure, would do it more fully and ably than myself, if he were 



