I.] 



URTICACEJE. 



207 



The bark of some species of the Nettle Family affords 

 an invaluable fibre, especially that of the Hemp-plant 

 Cannabis sattva), which has been cultivated from a remote 

 period, in temperate climates, for its fibre. It is recorded 

 as having been under culture 2,500 years ago. The fibre 

 is obtained in the same way as Flax. In India, Hemp is 



FIG. 144. Staminate flower cf 

 Small Nettle. 



FIG. 145. Pistillate flower 

 of same. 



grown chiefly for the sake of a narcotic, intoxicating gum- 

 resin, called Chitrras, exuded by the leaves and stem. 

 The dried leaves and twigs are smoked. 



FIG. 146. Longitudinal section 

 of fruit of Small Nettle. 



FIG. 147. Section of seed of same 

 showing the large embryo, with 

 a superior radicle and but little 

 albumen. 



Chinese Grass-cloth fibre is yielded by a stingless 

 Nettle of Eastern Asia {Boehmeria nivea). 



The Hop (Humuhis Lupulus} is remarkable amongst 

 the Nettle Family for its twining stem. The bracts of 

 the inflorescence become enlarged under cultivation and 

 covered with minute glands, containing a bitter gum-resin 



