HEMP CULTURE, 93 



rich soil, tlie stalks grow too large, producing a coarse and inferior lint ; on tbe 

 contrary, if seeded too thick, tke growth proves so short as to materially affect 

 the value of the crop. 



In the latitude of the hemp-growing section of Kentucky the seeding is 

 mostly done from the 1st to the 15th of April, and the land generally ploughed 

 the fall before. 



In Iowa the seeding should be done as soon as the ground proves to be in 

 good dry working order. Although the seed itself seems very tender, its vitality 

 easily affected, and its germination after sowing often seriously disturbed by 

 unfavorable circumstances, yet when once above ground, and fairly set, no 

 ordinary frosts" that destroy other vegetation seem to affect it ; hence but little 

 danger need be apprehended from late frosts, that prove so destructive to corn. 



The seed being soav^u, proceed to cover them up with a light harrow by run- 

 ning both ways to secure uniform results ; the more shallow the seed is covered 

 in a moist soil the more certain the vegetation. If the season and soil be dry, 

 a somewhat deeper covering may be necessary. Under favorable ckcumstances, 

 the crop makes its appearance in a few days, and with proper sun and moisture 

 it rapidly covers the ground. From seed time until harvest, the laborer has 

 only to Avatch its almost magic growth from day to day. 



After having once covered the ground, the crop is generally considered safe 

 by the grower ; yet he is sometimes doomed to disappointment. Hail-storms 

 prove very destructive to the tender watery growth of the young hemp plant ; 

 high winds damage the yield, but never enthely destroy the crop. 



RIPENING AND HARVESTING. 



The maturity of the crop is indicated by a change of color in the leaf, it 

 gradually fading from a deep green to a paler hue ; also a shedding of the 

 leaves, beginning at the bottom, and gradually extending up the stalk. 



The male plants ripen fully ten days earlier than the female, and in some 

 countries, where labor is Avorth next to nothing, the male is first harvested by 

 being draAvn up by the roots, and the female is left standing. In our country 

 such a mode of harvesting is impi'acticable ; hence the American groAver must 

 divide the time as near as may be betAveen the earlier and later ripening, and 

 thus secure the best results possible under the circumstances. 



The male plant is covered Avith \'ery minute pods bearing pollen, which, at 

 maturity, burst and fill the whole atmosphere : and the pollen may be seen 

 rising in immense clouds, and floating aAvay from the field. This, in addition 

 to the indication previously named, shows the crop is ready for the knife. This 

 instrument is of a peculiar shape, perfected by long experience, and need not 

 here be described, as it can be purchased in the hemp region of Kentucky at 

 almost any smithy. , 



The ancient manner of harvesting was pulling, as with flax, but this mode 

 has long since been abandoned in favor of the hemp hook, as the knife is called. 



J. B. McGormick, esq., of St. Louis, Missouri, and Versailles, Kentucky, has 

 patented hemp-cutting machinery as an attachment to the McOormick reaper. 

 The writer has used the attachment, and considers it a perfect success. It will 

 supersede the hook in all level lands, and must prove well adapted to Iowa. 



In Kentucky some of the best hemp lands lie so rolling and rough as to 

 perhaps preclude its use. If the crop is to be cut with the hook, the operator 

 is required to cut at once through a Avidth corresponding to the length of the 

 hemp, and as close to the ground as possible, spreading his hemp in his rear 

 in an even, smooth swath, Avhere it remains exposed to the sun's rays until it is 

 properly cured, and the leaves sufficiently dried to detach easily. This last 

 operation is sometimes omitted by careless growers, and, some contend, without 

 iJ^Jui-y. ^ ^ 



