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, from the laudable practice and experience of that worthy Gentleman, Mr. Tho.  Firmin, Citizen of London, who at this time Imploys in his House (built for that purpose) several Flax-men, Weavers, _&c._ And also above 600 Spinners abroad.  This Judicious person shew’d me more than 500 l. worth of very good substantial Cloth, of his own working.  And in truth, I have convers’d with many; but never found any man so able and free to resolve all doubts in this case; who told me for a Truth, that a Child of 5 or 6 years old, that had its Health, and a moderate Apprehension, might be taught in 6 Weeks to earn its living in Spinning; Which, if so, as from the Veracity and Experience of the Relator, I have no reason to doubt.  It is most plain, that the most profitable part of this Manufactory may be both easily and speedily accomplish’d, and perfected, to the happy Reformation of many Thousands, who now live by Begging, _&c._ giving scarce any thing for whatever they Eat, Drink, or Wear.