HEMP. 193 



seed is sufficient. The best is indicated by its weight and 

 bright reddish color. It is usual to sow broadcast, harrow 

 in lightly both ways, and roll it. A smooth surface is mate- 

 rial in facilitating the cutting. Sowing in drills would re- 

 quire less seed, give an equal amount of crop, and materially 

 expedite the planting. This should always be done before 

 moist weather if possible, as rapid and uniform germination 

 of the seed is thus more certainly secured. If the soil be 

 very dry, it is better to place the seed deeper in the ground, 

 to reach a proper moisture, which can be done with the 

 plow. If sown in drills and well covered, it might be pre- 

 viously soaked so as to secure early germination in the ab- 

 sence of rains. I quote from an excellent article on hemp 

 raising, in the American Agriculturist, by the editor, A. B. 

 Allen. 



Cutting. " No after cultivation is necessary. When the 

 blossoms turn a little yellow, and begin to drop their leaves, 

 which usually happens from three to three and a half months 

 after sowing, it is time to cut the hemp ; if it stands a week 

 or ten days longer than this, no other detriment will ensue 

 except that it will not rot so evenly, and becomes more la- 

 borious to break. Cutting is now almost universally prac- 

 ticed in preference to pulling. Not quite so much lint is 

 saved, but the labor is easier and all subsequent operations, 

 such as spreading, stacking and rotting. The lint also is of 

 a better color and finer fibre, and the roots and stubble left in 

 the ground and plowed under, tend to lighten the soil, and 

 are equivalent to a light dressing of manure. If the hemp 

 is not above seven feet high, it can be cut with large and 

 strong cradles, at the rate of an acre or two per day ; but if 

 above this height, strong brush scythes must be used, about 

 two and a half feet long. 



Drying and Securing. As fast as cut, spread the hemp 

 on the ground, taking care to keep the butts even, when if 

 the weather be dry and warm, it will be cured in three days. 

 As soon as dry, commence binding into sheaves, and if des- 

 tined for water rotting, it ought to be transported to dry 

 ground convenient to the pools, and then secured in round 

 stacks, carefully thatched on the top to keep out the rain ; 

 but if designed for dew rotting, it should be secured in large 

 ricks, in the same field where grown. The reason why these 

 are to be preferred is, that less of the hemp is thus exposed 

 to the weather, and the more and better the lint when rotted 

 and broken out. 

 9 



