182 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



the destruction of insects, and especially the cut worm, which 

 is very injurious to it. It should be re-plowed in the spring,if 

 not already sufficiently mellow, as a fine tilth, considerable 

 depth and great fertility are essential to its vigor. 



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, convenience in 

 harvesting requires that it should ripen at sufficient intervals. 

 The farmer may select his time for sowing, according 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 ne- 

 cessarily smothered after absorbing the strength of the soil, 

 and they are besides in the way of the harvesting, without 

 contributing any thing to the value of the crop. Seed of 

 the last year's growth is best, as it generally heats by being 

 kept over, which can be avoided only by spreading thin. 

 From four to six pecks per acre of good seed, is sufficient. 

 The best is indicated by its weight and bright reddish color. 

 It is usual to sow broadcast, and harrow in lightly both ways, 

 and roll it. A smooth surface is material in facilitating the 

 cutting. Sowing in drills, would require 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 .cer- 

 tainly secured. If the soil be very dry, it is better to place 

 the seed deeper in the ground, which can be done with the 

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

 previously soaked so as to secure early germination in the 

 absence of rains. 



CUTTING. " No after cultivation is necessary, and as 

 soon as the blossoms turn a little yellow, and begin to drop 

 their leaves, which usually happens 3 to 31-2 months after 

 sowing^ it is time to cut the hemp ; if it stands, however, a 

 w r eek or ten days longer than this, no other detriment will en- 

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

 laborious to break. Cutting is now almost universally prac- 

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

 by the first as by the last process, but the labor is pleasanter, 

 and all subsequent operations, such as spreading out, stacking 

 and rotting, are made easier. 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 as 



