274 
attention than at the present time, and the amount pro- 
duced, and the still more abundant demand, show that it 
is now a subject of national importance. Probably there 
never was a period when the production of flax has been 
so great as within the past few years. Hence the know- 
ledge of this plant, the means for successful production, 
and cost and profit of a crop, are matters that relate to 
the landowner, the agriculturist, and the manufacturer. 
In this society a paper has been read on the Policy of 
Flax Culture, by Mr. Briggs* The importance of the 
crop of flax to the grower is there stated, and may be 
consulted by those who will also now have the advantage 
of more recent statements of Mr. MacAdam, Dr. Hodges, 
and the flax literature of Ireland ; indeed, every year lately 
has been the means of recording the results of experiments, 
or developing by means of literature the trade and com- 
merce connected with this plant. The Royal Society for 
the Growth of Flax in Ireland, the Belfast Flax Society, 
and the " Journal of the Chemico- Agricultural Society of 
Ulster," (to say nothing of the labours of particular men, 
the energy of patentees and the teachers, grants and prizes 
for especial merit, in relation to flax,) now afford a clear 
insight into the nature of the simple practice hitherto fol- 
lowed, its irregularity and waste, and the desire to get 
true knowledge for capital and skill, to legislate for extended 
demands and supply. The practical man will have in these 
references the means of ascertaining how far Ireland has 
increased her resources, with judicious plans and industry, 
capable of affording useful examples elsewhere. 
The flax plant ( Linum usitatissimum ) is grown in most 
countries, and while Ireland is increasing its crops yearly, 
and the general production of flax is great, yet in England 
the quantity grown is so small as scarcely to admit of 
* See Vol. II. page 429. 
