76 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



land of the richest quality." The richest of the new 

 moist lands in the south of Italy will bear hemp two, 

 and sometimes even three years, without manure, but 

 they are then much impoverished, and require it. 



In Lincolnshire, where strong and heavy hemp is 

 grown, the hemp gardens are small, and near the 

 houses of the growers. These gardens absorb vast 

 quantities of manure, and produce hemp every year, 

 without any alternation of crop, or any change except 

 that in years when the hemp is pulled early a few 

 turnips are sown for a stubble crop. 



In Russia the same mode of cultivating hemp on 

 small patches of land, near the houses of the growers, 

 prevails, from the facility of getting manure upon it. 

 Jn Romagna, where the best hemp in Italy is grown, 

 the inhabitants have a common saying ** Hemp may 

 be grown every where, but it cannot be produced fit 

 for use, either in heaven or earth, without manure*." 



When the hemp is required for cordage, it should 

 be sown in drills, as a stronger and coarser fibre will 

 be produced. 



When it is wanted for purposes of weaving, then 

 broad-cast is the best method, as the stems rise more 

 slender and fine in proportion to their proximity, 

 provided they are not so near to each other as to 

 choke and impede the growth. There should never 

 be a smaller interval than a foot between each plant. 



Three bushels of seed is the ordinary allowance 

 for an acre, when sown broad-cast, this quantity being 

 more or less, according to circumstances. If sown 

 in drills, a bushel and a half is found sufficient. 



When the seed is sown it is carefully covered with 

 earth, either by means of a harrow or rake. But, 

 notwithstanding this precaution, it is requisite to keep 

 a constant watch over the ground, to prevent the 



* Letter to the Committee of Lords of the Privy Council for 

 the Affairs of Trade. 



