REMARKS ON THE FLAX SUBJECT. 



157 



cultivation of that plant. Independently altogether of the 

 statements contained in the letter of Mr. Dickson, which we 

 publish in another column, we judge very much of th e value 

 of Flax to the farming classes of this country, by a reference 

 to the prosperous state of Belfast, attributable chiefly to the 

 employment given, in connection with the manufacture of 

 linen. If the soil and climate of Ireland are as well, if not 

 better, adapted to the growth of Flax, as those very countries 

 from which such quantities are imported, why, we ask, do we 

 not give this plant a place in our rotation ? The prices which 

 Flax will realize per acre, are higher than the returns from 

 other crops. If we are rightly informed, the average price is 

 from £7 to £9 10s. per acre ; and in some cases, in favoured 

 localities, some fetch £12 per acre. It should also be 

 borne in mind, that these are the prices paid for Flax taken 

 off the fields green, without any further trouble to the 

 producer. Without entering therefore, at all, into the merits 

 of the case as between Professor Lowe and Mr. Dickson, we 

 are of opinion such prices are highly remunerative to the 

 farmer. 



"As far as we can see our way in the matter, we have no 

 hesitation in strongly recommending an extensive cultivation 

 of Flax, as the respective capacities of the soil will make it 

 profitable. We must still continue to look upon it as a 

 matter of great hardship, that nearly six millions sterling 

 a year, should be drained from this country for the purchase 

 of Flax, oil-cake, and seed, whilst our own soil and climate are 

 so well adapted for the growth of the article, and whilst the 

 market lies so near our own door. 



" We recommend an attentive perusal of our correspondent's 

 letter on this subject. The culture of Flax is every day 

 assuming a more prominent position before the public mind. 

 We need hardly repeat our great anxiety to see its cultivation 

 extended in this locality." — Editor of the Tuam Herald, 



