178 



VALUE OF FLAX PER ACRE. 



linseed to fatten our cattle than were ever received of cake from 

 foreign countries ; also, that the appropriation of a large 

 breadth of land to flax would enhance the price of barley in 

 particular, and enable the farmer to place the proceeds of his 

 grazing account in his own pocket rather than in that of the 

 foreigner. I have shown that a compound made of linseed 

 and grain is superior to foreign oil-cake ; a fact that has been 

 proved on many farms in Norfolk and Suffolk, and exemplified 

 with peculiar clearness by Mr. Postle's experiment, whose six 

 bullocks fattened on compound paid, in the short space of six 

 months, nearly three pounds per head more than an equal 

 number fed on oil-cake. I have recorded three public meetings 

 at which the method of making this food was exhibited ; also 

 the speeches of the noblemen and gentlemen present on those 

 occasions ; with other documents showing the immense advan- 

 tage that the British nation would derive from the cultivation 

 of flax. In consequence, experiments have been made by 

 gentlemen in many parts of the kingdom, who have forwarded 

 to me samples of their flax, with descriptions of the soil whence 

 grown; from which I gather, that the most ordinary land, 

 under proper treatment, will produce flax of the finest descrip- 

 tion ; and that the adaptation of our country to the culture of 

 this important plant is indisputably proved. 



I have shown that flax is worth more per acre, and affords 

 more employment, than any other production of the earth, and 

 that the acreable value of good flax to the grower varies from 

 15Z. to SOL per acre; but I have not ascertained its worth 

 when manufactured into linen or other articles of commerce — I 

 believe, however, several hundred pounds per acre. From a 

 document now before me, I perceive that an extensive culti- 

 vation of flax was strongly recommended in 1742 as a source of 

 permanent employment. Since that time Acts of ParHament 

 have been passed, and premiums offered, to encourage its 

 'growth. But for the space of 15 years no candidate appeared 

 to claim a premium. I have shown that the objections made 

 in those times to the growth of flax, are, in the present, com- 

 pletely removed. For, under the improved system of manage- 

 ment, instead of impoverishing it enriches the soil ; and that 

 its introduction into our rotation of crops would be of in- 



