180 



PROJECT OF WORKING UP FLAX. 



and of converting it into useful articles. — That premiums be 

 given to cottagers for growing flax in their gardens,, and to 

 their children for spinning and knitting the yarn into stockings 

 and gloves. — That information on the most improved modes of 

 husbandry^ the new system of grazing with compound^ summer 

 feeding in boxes, &c. &c.^ be effectually and speedily dissemi- 

 nated by the location of experienced labourers for a few months, 

 where needed, in exchange for others to be taught on farms 

 from whence those labourers were sent : that while some were 

 communicating others would be receiving instruction. The 

 wages of these men to be paid by their employers, and the cost 

 of their journeys by the Society. — That an interchange of visits 

 be promoted between intelligent agriculturists of different 

 counties, and their travelling expenses paid by the Association. 

 — That similar facilities be afforded to gentlemen of leisure and 

 patriotism, whose services, in attending public meetings, and 

 in conferring with interested parties, Avould be of the utmost 

 importance. Lastly, that a weekly paper containing an account 

 of all the Society's proceedings, and affording authentic informa- 

 tion of all important agricultural topics, be regularly forwarded 

 to every subscriber, that through this medium correspondences 

 might be conducted, intelligence conveyed, and scientific ex- 

 periments recorded. 



I hope that this brief outline will in some measure convey 

 suitable ideas of a project that aims at the benefit of all, and at 

 the injury of none ; a project, which, if carried into execution, 

 will open wide to the poor the doors of maintenance, admitting 

 work and wages, liberty and independence, peace and content- 

 ment, without infringing upon the rights of private property or 

 endangering the safety of the State. I entertain no fear of not 

 realizing these happy results, provided the possessors of the 

 soil support our cause. Upon their decision, and upon the aid 

 and co-operation of British philanthropy relative to the above 

 patriotic designs, hangs the fate of thousands. Nor can it be 

 supposed that the necessary funds will be withheld, when we 

 consider the twenty millions expended for the emancipation 

 of the West Indian slaves : the eight hundred thousand an- 

 nually subscribed to Foreign Missions, to instruct heathen na- 

 tions in religion and in the arts and sciences of civilized life ; the 



