people cannot work it so well._

_Answ._ This Objection, (which some are pleas'd to think very considerable)
consists of two Branches: The first is an Exception to the goodness of our
Flax; The second, to the Skill and Dexterity of our People.

As for the first; _Whether ours be as good as Outlandish Flax?_ It must be
considered, and cannot be denied, but, that the far greatest part of the
Flax which we Import from beyond the Seas, is _East-Country Flax_, I say,
the far _greatest_ part, ten to one in proportion; Now I am credibly
informed by several well experienced Flax-Men (who have dealt in both
Sorts) That _English_ Flax is _full as good_, to all intents, as this
_East-Country_ Flax, and do not doubt, but it will appear 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.