252 farmers' and mechanics' journal. 



AGHIC1UI.TUBE. 



CULTURE OF HEMP. 



The followinsf remarks upon Hemp, we have compiled by re- 

 qtie>t of several subscribers. We have inserted selections on the 

 culture and management of this article, from various authors, in 

 former numbers ; but, although there may be some repetition, we 

 hope that further attention to the same subject, may not be entire- 

 ly useless. 



Hemp, (says Loudon.) is one of the few plants employed in agri- 

 cuhure. which have the male and female flowers on difTerent and 

 di'^fi'ict platits. This circumstance has some influence on its cul- 

 ture for seed. 



Soil — The soil best suited for hemp, is a rich, deep, mellow, 

 vegetable mould. A deep alluvial soil, or such as is better known 

 by the name of intervale, also produces it luxuriantly, and if it be 

 moist, or more inclining to moisture than drvness, it will be stiJl 

 better. Ft was formerly cultivated on such soils, (in this State,) 

 durint; the Revolution, for the purpose of being manufactured into 

 twine, frc. for nets and seines. Almost any soil, however, if it be 

 not exhausted, or if it be well manured and well worked, will pro- 

 duce it abundantly. It is important that the soil should be well 

 pulverized. Indeed, most of our New-Kngland farmers fail in this 

 imnortant part of cultivation ; they do not use the plough and har- 

 Vow enoui^h. Old <4rass lands, that have been broken up, and have 

 had one crop of potatoes, or corn, taken from them, would be suita- 

 ble. Tt is not necessary that the soil should be extremely rich ; 

 for in this case, the hemp will grow too luxuriantly and coarse. 

 On the other hand, it should not be very poor ; for the crop will, 

 of coiir«p. be thin and light. — The ground should, if possible, be 

 plonscbed in the fall, that it might have the benefit of the frosts of 

 the winter, and spring ensuing. If fall ploughing cannot be eflfect- 

 ed. however, it should be done as early in the spring as possible, 

 and well oulverized. 



Time of Sowinfr, (§/t . — Hemp should be sown as early in the 

 spring as the fro«t will permit. It is generally sown broadcast, or 

 as wheat and rye are sown in the country. Great attention should 

 be paid to harrowinii it in ; that the ground be well broken and 

 no hard lumps or clods left. For this purpose, a bush-harrow 



