300 



DICKSON ON THE 



to a greater number and a greater variety of individuals than 

 any other branch of human occupation. From the hands of 

 the farmer the Flax proceeds to the dresser, the spinner, the 

 weaver, the bleacher, the embroiderer, &c, affording remu- 

 nerative industry to each to a great extent, and yielding an 

 amount of profit with which no other agricultural product can 

 at all be put in competition. The industry which it creates is 

 both agricultural and manufacturing ; and no more effectual 

 method could be devised of ameliorating the condition of the 

 working clases in the south and west of Ireland, and removing the 

 oppressive burden of indolence upon the resources of the land, 

 than by the rapid extension of the culture and manufacture 

 of Flax. This important topic, we are happy to find, has been 

 occupying the attention of the Manufacture Board ; and assu- 

 redly they could not devote their time and energies to a more 

 practical useful measure, or one better calculated to accom- 

 plish the object they have in view. Let any thinking man 

 look at Belfast, with its numerous factories, its crowded 

 harbour, its marts of commerce, and daily increasing prosperity* 

 and he will have abundant proof of the blessings of the linen 

 manufacture. And, after gazing on this picture, let him 

 change his field of vision, and turn to Galway. What a 

 contrast is here ! Yet what is to prevent Galway from partici- 

 pating in the improvements which Belfast so largely enjoys ? 

 With railway communication to Dublin, the market for her 

 produce will be opened up, and by the aid of improved 

 machinery, the Flax can be made ready for the markets. 

 The path to prosperity is before her. 



Having collected everything that in my humble opinion 

 could be t nought deserving of notice on the Flax question, I 

 insert the following brief history of Flax-culture, written, as I 

 am informed, by a Belfast gentleman, whose family had 

 been largely engaged in the linen-trade of that very prosperous 

 city. 



