262 FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 



were cleared. As much as thirty years ago, we have seen 

 cloth made from the nettle, which appeared to be as soft 

 as that made of flax. 



The plant seems to grow most naturally in moist mellow 

 loam, which contains a large proportion of vegetable earth. 

 It may be raised from the seed, or the root, as it is a hardy 

 perennial. 



Mr. Greene says the seed should be sowed in the Spring, 

 and that the roots should be planted in the Fall ; that, it the 

 fibre is wanted for the finest fabrics, the plant should be cut 

 while in full flower; but, if only for common use, it will 

 yield more by standing till fully ripe; that, after being cra- 

 dled, which is the most proper way to cut it, the stalks 

 should lie on the ground, in order that their stinging quali- 

 ty be thus removed; that it is roted in the same manner as 

 hemp, but requires a longer time for this purpose; and that 

 it is not affected by the inclemency of the weather. 



It is believed that this plant may be cultivated to great 

 advantage, particularly in soils where it grows in its natural 

 state. 



It should, however, be observed, that the culture of it has 

 been patented by Mr. Whitlonv; but, how far the knowledge 

 that has long existed, in regard to its valuable qualities, 

 may interfere with his supposed right to monopolise its 

 culture, we pretend not to say. 



That superior intelligence, however, which may have en- 

 abled him to perceive the value of the plant, when properly 

 cultivated, and to excite public attention in its favor, enti- 

 tles him to particular consideration, and the thanks of his 

 Country. 



NEW HORSE-HOEING HUSBANDRY In the year 

 1731, Mr. Tull, an ingenious Farmer of Greatbritain, pub- 

 lished a book under this title ; and, afterwards, further sup- 

 plementary essays on the same subject; the object of which 

 was, to introduce a new system of husbandry, particularly 

 in the culture of wheat. His method is thrs : 



The ground is ploughed into ridges of about five, six, or 

 seven feet wide, and then smoothed with the harrow ; then 

 the seed is sown in straight lines by a drill in small furrows, 

 about two inches deep; two of these furrows being placed 

 together, at the distance of about nine inches, with an in- 

 terval between these and the next two of about two feet ; 

 so that a horse-hoe, or a horse- plough, can be run between 

 them. As the seeds are droped by the drill-plough, '.hey 

 are covered by little harrows, which are fastened to the 

 (lough, and follow after it. The horse-hoe has already 

 been mentioned. 



