HEMP. 187 



self. This requires another system of cultivation, but simi- 

 lar soil, which should be the in finest condition as to fertility 

 and pulverization. An old pasture or meadow heavily ma- 

 nured and plowed in the fall and well pulverized -in the spring 

 furnishes the best soil. We again quote from Judge Beatty's 

 valuable essays on practical agriculture : 



" The seed should be planted as we do corn, either in hills 

 or drills. I prefer the former, because it admits of easier 

 and better cultivation, as the plow can be used both ways. 

 It is usual to plant five feet apart, each way, and suffer four 

 or five stalks to stand in a hill until the blossom hemp is re- 

 moved, and then reduce the number so as not to exceed two 

 stalks in a hill. Thus there would be two seed plants for 

 each twenty-five square feet. It would be a better practice 

 to make the hills three feet six inches apart, each way, and 

 thin the hemp to three stalks in a hill, till the blossom hemp 

 appears, and at the proper time cut out the blossom or male 

 hemp ; and, if necessary, a part of the seed hemp, so as to 

 reduce the latter to one stalk in the hill. If each hill should 

 contain one stalk, there would be two seed stalks for each 

 twenty-fbur and a half square feet. This will give a greater 

 number of seed stalks per acre than planting five feet each 

 way, and leaving two in a hill. According to this plan, each 

 seed plant will stand by itself, and, having its appropriate 

 space of ground, can spread its branches without obstruction. 

 According to the other plan, two seed plants, standing to- 

 gether, will obstruct each other, in putting forth lateral 

 branches, and can scarcely be expected to produce twice as 

 much as the single stalk. 



" The ground for hemp seed, having been well prepared by 

 at least two plowings, and a number of harrowings, suffi- 

 cient to pulverize the ground, it should be laid off as above 

 directed, and planted in the same manner as corn, except 

 that the seed need not be covered more than an inch and a 

 half deep. Thelve or fifteen seed should be dropped in each 

 hill, which should be somewhat scattered to prevent them 

 from being too much crowded in the hill. Though good 

 hemp seed is certain to come up, yet it is prudent to plant 

 about the number suggested to guard against casualties. Soon 

 after the hemp seed comes up, a small shovel plough should 

 be run through, both ways, once in a row. If the ground is 

 not foul, the ploughing may be delayed till the hemp is a few 

 inches high, which will enable the plowman to avoid throw- 

 ing the dirt on the tender plants. The hoes should follow the 



