PREFACE. xiii 



of money in the rural districts, and of retaining between 

 two and three millions besides, now sent abroad for lin- 

 seed, oil, and cake. The accuracy of these depositions 

 may be ascertained by a reference to Government Returns, 

 and to the Reports of the Irish Flax Improvement 

 Society. It will then be found that the sums specified 

 may be doubled. 



That a cause of such vital importance should have 

 rested so many years upon individual effort and expense 

 must strike the reader with astonishment. But, regard- 

 less of every consideration except that of national benefit, 

 I prosecuted my labours, and am enabled to look back 

 upon my losses, mortifications, and disappointments with 

 composure. 



During the past year my farm has been a source of 

 continued attraction to visitors, the number of my cor- 

 respondents been greatly increased, and the compomid 

 system of fattening cattle, added to the erection of boxes, 

 rapidly extended. 



Thus far the soundness of my theory and practice is 

 confirmed. Additional proofs also have been afforded 

 that, in every part of the kingdom where corn can be 

 produced, the soil is favourable to the growth of flax; 

 and that the crop would be extensively cultivated, pro- 

 vided Societies were established for the preparation of 

 the fibre, or factors found to purchase the stalks accord- 

 ing to the Continental system. A Flax Company has 

 already been formed at Ipswich ; the first report of 

 which is favourable to the undertaking, and the culture 

 of the plant ably advocated by the local papers of that 

 town and neighbourhood. 



