PUOFITS OF FLAX CULTURE MISREPRESENTED. 



205 



Gower belongs to the Committee of the Norfolk Flax Society, 

 of which Mr. Rous is the president. 



I here lay down my pen with honour, for volumes could not 

 afford stronger evidence to prove that where flax is grown for 

 seed, the fibre will make a profitable return for "labour and 

 cost." Nor could volumes more clearly acquit me of having 

 indulged in "idle visions" to "deceive the public." 



I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, 



John Warnes, Jun. 



Trimingham, January lAth, 1844. 



Note. — As a further proof, if necessary, of the determination of 

 those who assumed the management of the Norfolk Flax Society, to 

 destroy a good cause, I here insert their expiring effort ; in order that 

 Mr. Rous's crop of 1845 may be compared with that of 1843, and the 

 profits upon each year's produce ascertained. 



It will be seen, by the two reports, that the quantity of flax was 4 st. 

 in the latter year beneath the former ; but, including tow and refuse, 

 both returns, viz. 24Z., are alike within six shillings. 



In justice, one side of the question ought to have been shown as well 

 as the other; when it would have appeared, that the crop of 1845, 

 if dressed by hand, was nearly equal to that of 1843, and that a profit 

 of 9/. per acre would again have been established. 



Never was there a greater perversion than the placing, to the debtor 

 account, losses occasioned by a badly-constructed machine, ignorant 

 workmen, and moderate horses. Losses, seriously increased by the 

 waste of more than 10 st. of flax ; for the tow and refuse, instead of 

 30 J St., ought not much to have exceeded 15. 



The small quantity of seed obtained, proves also another glaring 

 defect in the treatment of the stalks when first pulled. My own crop 

 of seed, in the same year, exceeded 18 bushels per acre, Vv ith the finest 

 fibre I ever grew. Mr. Druce's, as may be seen in the introductory 

 remarks, was 24 bushels per acre. 



To the Editor of the Norfolk Chronicle. 



Sir, 



You will much oblige by inserting the subjoined in your paper of 

 this week. 



I remain, yours obediently, 



RICHARD G. ATLEE, 

 Secretary to the Norfolk Flax Society. 



Dilham, 23rd April, 1846. 



