REPLY TO CINCINNATUS." 



289 



No. I. 



ON THE FLAX CROP AND THE USE OF LINSEED. 



To the Editor of the Farmer s Journal. 



Sir, 



In your paper of last week 1 perceive a letter headed 

 by the following question: — ''Is an extended cultivation of 

 flax necessary, or profitable in this country ? " I'he writer has 

 assumed the name of Cincinnatus, a Roman patriot, who, for 

 the love of his country, left his plough, and sacrificed for a time 

 his private interests. The modern Cincinnatus, however, 

 smothers the patriotism of his own questions by tales of his 

 youth ; and by asserting, as facts, evils that have long ceased 

 to exist, and by offering theories that have no foundation, 

 except in his own imagination. 



But, before I proceed, allow me to acknowledge the gratifica- 

 tion I derived from the perusal of your subjoined reply, and cor- 

 dially to thank you for your warm recommendation of my book. 



In " Cincinnatus " I think I recognise a former opponent ; 

 and though I had resolved to pass over the remarks of anony- 

 mous writers, I feel constrained upon the present occasion to 

 pursue an opposite course, under the hope that it may lead to 

 some public benefit. 



To the first question, viz., Is an extended cultivation of 

 flax necessary?" 1 reply, absolutely so ; because of the unem- 

 ployed population and consequent evils. To the second, viz., 

 " Or, is it profitable in this country ? " I answer, more so, 

 under the improved system, than any other crop. 



With reference to the first question, it is a remarkable coin- 

 cidence, that I had scarcely commenced this letter before three 

 youths, each under seventeen years of age, and belonging to 

 neighbouring parishes, applied to me for work. I referred them 

 to my flax-agent, who will require the services of many young 

 persons through the present winter. Now, were all other pa- 

 rishes similarly provided with flax, the greatest blessings would 

 be conferred upon the poor, and rates be rendered nominal, as 

 at Trimingham. Need I adduce stronger evidence in favour of 

 an extended cultivation ? And would not the Roman Cincin- 

 natus have contemplated the picture with patriotic delight ? 



V 



