«ULTURE OF HEMP. 255 



will it be. This is efiected by a slight ivif refaction of the muci- 

 lage, iic. And it has been found by experience, that water is pre- 

 ferable to any other agent. The water used for this purpose, 

 should be soft, that is, contain no lime or salts ; and it is best that 

 it should have some slight motion, in order to wash away gently 

 the m;ifter which may be separated from the lint. A i-oud that is 

 clear and pure, and whose waters are agitated by the winds ; or a 

 gentle stroaui is suilable for the purpose. 



Stagnant waters were formerly pret'cr:ed, because they were not 

 only thought to have produced the desired eifect in less time, but 

 also, frO;n an idea that running water would make the fibre " red 

 and towey." This may be the effect in some streams that are 

 rapid, or that contain any ferruginous matter. 



The hemp should be completely covered by the water, but it is 

 thougiit best not to touch the bottom. Stakes may be driven into 

 the boltotn of tiie pond, or stream, to prevent the hemp from float- 

 ing away, and boaids or planks put over it. with stones upon them, 

 if necessary, to keep it completely nnmersed. The bundles should 

 be laid crossing each other. The hemp should continue under 

 water, until the fibre will separate from the other parts of the 

 stalk, and no longer. To ascertain this, take out a handful of the 

 hemp, dry it, and rub it between the hands ; if it separates easily 

 and perfectly, it is time to take it out. The length of time to ef- 

 fect this change, must depend very much on the temperature of 

 the water, and weather. It is generally accemplished mjivp days, 

 — say from five to tea days. Particular attention should be paid 

 to it, for if sutl'eied to remain in the water too long, it will be in- 

 jured. It is in this part of the process that experience is the most 

 required, and a thorough knowledge of it the most important step, 

 or point, to be gained ; for on its management in rotting, or wret- 

 ting, as it is sometimes called, depends the strength and beauty of 

 the fibres, and consequently its value. The farmer, therefore, 

 who is unacquainted with rotting it, should proceed with the ut- 

 most care and caution, lest he spoil his crop and lose his labor. 



Management after being Rotted, — After being rotted, it should be 

 taken out, and dried as speedily as possible. This may be efTected 

 by untying the bundles, and spreading them on some clean grass, 

 or, by standing them up on the butts, against fences, &c. No con- 

 siderable rain should be allowed to fall upon it, while drying. 

 When sufficiently dry, it should be put in some dry but airy situa- 



