FLAX AND HEMP FOR FIBER 



485 



637. Culture. Hemp is ordinarily sown in April on land 

 that is suitable for the production of corn. Rich land and 

 the use of nitrogenous fertilizers result in increased yields. 



The seed is sown 



broadcast or with 

 the grain drill at 

 the rate of from 4 

 to 6 pecks to the 

 acre. The growth 

 is rapid and there 

 is little trouble 

 from weeds. Har- 

 vesting begins as 

 soon as the first 

 seed ripens, which 

 is usually in 

 about three and 

 one-half months 

 from planting. 

 The method of 

 harvesting de- 

 pends on the vigor 

 of the growth; 

 ordinarily the 

 crop is cut with 

 the mower or 

 binder, but if the 

 growth is un- 

 usually rank and 

 heavy, the corn 



knife is used. The plants are allowed to lie on the ground 

 to ret with the dews and rains and are then shocked or 

 stacked. The processes of separating the fiber from the 



Fig. 145. A vigorous growth of hemp. 



