192 



AMERICAN.. AGRICULTURE. 



Fio. 43. 



liarly adapted to the production of 

 hemp, and for many years it has been 

 a conspicuous object of agricultural 

 attention.' We have not yet brought 

 the supply to our full consumption; as 

 we have till recently, imported several 

 millions annually, either in its raw 

 state, or as cordage, twine, sail-duck, 

 osnaburgs and other manufactured ar- 

 ticles. But the increased attention 

 and skill bestowed on its cultivation, 

 combined with our means for its in- 

 definite production, will doubtless soon 

 constitute us one of the largest of the 

 hemp-exporting countries. 



Tfie Soil for hemp may be similar 

 to that of flax, but with a much wider 

 range, from a uniform standard ; for it 

 will thrive in moderately tenacious 

 clay, if fertile, and well pulverized ; and it will do equally 

 well on reclaimed muck beds, when properly treated. New 

 land is not suited to it till after two or three years of culti- 

 vation. A grass sod or clover bed is best for it, when ptowed 

 in the fall or early in winter. This secures fine pulveriza- 

 tion by frost and the destruction of insects, and especially the 

 cut- worm, which is very injurious to it. If not already suffi- 

 ciently mellow, it should be re-plowed in the spring, as a 

 deep, fertile tilth is essential to its full vigor and large 

 growth. 



Cultivation, Early sowing produces the best crop, yet 

 it should not be put in so early as to be exposed to severe 

 frost ; and where there is a large quantity planted, conveni- 

 ence in harvesting requires that it should ripen at different 

 periods. The farmer may select his time for sowing, ac- 

 cording to his latitude, and the quantity cultivated. From 

 the 10th of April to 10th June is the fullest range allowed. 

 The choice of seed is material, as it is important to have a 

 full set of plants on the ground ; yet an excess is injurious, 

 as a part are necessarily smothered after absorbing the 

 strength of the soil, and they are besides, in the way of the 

 harvesting, without contributing anything to the value of 

 the crop. Seed of the last year's growth is best, as it gene- 

 rally heats by being kept over, which can be avoided only 

 by spreading thin. From four to six pecks per acre of good 



