451 
On the Flax of JSPeiv Zealand. 
posed there to very severe frosts in the most southern part 
of that very large country. Moist places are better suit- 
ed to it than dry, and the same may be said of most of the 
other Lilacmi . It would thrive well in many of the 
marshy districts, which at present are considered as use- 
less ; besides, it is a lively plant, and will require very 
little care. It may readily be conceived what advan- 
tages must result from the culture of this valuable plant, 
and particularly to the navy, as it will lighten in a very 
considerable degree the lading of our vessels, for the 
weight of the rigging in a 74-gun ship is estimated at 
1714.005 myriagrammes, or sixty eight thousand pounds« 
The use of the tiax of New Holland would lessen this 
weight more than one-half ; and also that of the other 
ropes, which are above the line of dotation; and there- 
fore the vessel would be capable of taking in a much 
greater quantity of provisions. Besides, it is well 
known that the less the diameter of the ropes above 
the line of flotation, the less will be the lee-way; and, 
therefore, these new ropes will contribute to accelerate 
the progress of ships of war, which will still be in- 
creased by the lightening they will experience when 
loaded with a less weight than usual. These ropes be- 
ing smaller anti lighter than those made with hemp, few- 
er hands will be required to manage them ; so that, if in- 
troduced, ships will need fewer men than those rigged 
with hemp. 
It is evident also that fibres so strong and so pliable 
will be proper for the fabrication of different kinds of 
cloth, and may be substituted with advantage in our 
manufactories for hemp and even flax. They will 
no doubt retain in the loom that superiority which they 
have in strength over hemp. Their whiteness and 
silky appearance give reason to hope that cloth made 
