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countrymen generally, that the process of steep- 

 ing and dew rotting now in practice, whereby 

 the fruits of their labour have been so seriously 

 injured, may be entirely superseded, and hence- 

 forward the culture of these important pro- 

 ductions may be pursued with an absolute 

 certainty of deriving an ample profit therefrom. 

 However doubtful this assertion may appear to 

 many, it will nevertheless be realised by the 

 use of machines for threshing out the seed, and 

 separating the woody from the fibrous parts 

 both of hemp and flax, invented by Mr. Lee, 

 to whom a patent has been granted for his 

 highly valuable discovery. From a minute and 

 attentive inspection of this machinery, simple 

 in its construction beyond all conception, as 

 well as completely effectual in its performance, 

 and from the ocular demonstration of the per- 

 fect success of its operation I have had the 

 satisfaction to receive from this gentleman at 

 his factory, I am warranted in saying with the 

 utmost confidence, that if it be introduced 

 into the British North American colonies, the 

 greatest benefits will be derived, not only by 

 them, but by Great Britain also; as it will 

 stimulate the occupiers of land to pursue this 

 branch of husbandry more than any premiums 

 offered, or means resorted to by government, 

 would be able to do under the old method. By 



