ppear so upon
Examination; So that the Objection, as in Comparison with such
_East-Country_ Flax, vanishes; of which yet, (although we have but little
Cloth made in _England_) there is, (as I am inform'd) several Hundred
Thousand Pounds worth yearly Imported.

But then, as to _Dutch_ Flax, indeed the Case is somewhat more difficult:
It being a common opinion, that their Flax, in its nature, is better for
making of Fine Cloth, than ours generally is: But even this is denied by
persons of great Judgement and Experience, who affirm, that much Land in
_England_ may produce as kind Flax, to the full: Besides, the _Dutch_ Flax
Imported, is but little, and comparatively Inconsiderable; as is indeed the
Use and Consumtion of very Fine Cloth, in respect of the vast quantities of
Course and Ordinary Cloth; so that, if the Trade be Encouraged, we need not
fear, but we may find ground enough in _England_, fit to produce as
excellent Flax as any now brought from _Holland_, I mean, _so much_ as we
have occasion for; And consequently, may make as good Linnen; _If we do not
spoil it in working_: Which is the second Charge of the Objection.

To which I Answer, That I have credibly been inform'd by some persons, that
they have, and can now already make as good Cloth here, as that which we
commonly Buy for 5, 6, 7, or 8 s. _per_ Ell: And why should not our people,
when they find the Manufactory Incouraged, and especially by the Emulation
and desires to out-vie each other in good Work-manship in these publick
Working Alms-Houses; Why, I say, May we not arrive at as great Perfection
in the Mystery as any people in the World? The _English_ once had the
Reputation of the only excellent Artificers for Wollen Cloth; other Nations
knew nothing, or very little of it; yet now we find, by unhappy experience,
they equal, if not exceed us therein: Why may we not retaliate, and
out-strip them in another Mystery? Or, Why should we more scandal our
selves with suggestions of Dullness and Indocility, than our Neighbours.

But to give more full satisfaction, That this Manufactory, especially that
part which is most advantagious to the Nation, as being most Consumptive of
our Hemp and Flax, and most promoting Trade and Imployment for the Poor;
which indeed is common and ordinary Cloth, of which there is a Thousand
Ells to one Transported into all His Majesties Plantations.

That this I say is suddainly to be perfected, I cannot but give a signal
Instance