DISTRIBUTION OF HEMP PLANT. 317 
remarkable, but easily explained, when we consider that it is 
an annual, which requires only a few months of summer 
temperature to bring it to full perfection. The requisites for 
its successful cultivation, it is, however, necessary to notice, 
when endeavouring to introduce elsewhere its culture. 
“Hemp is cultivated in almost every part of Kurope for home 
consumption, but only in large quantities for export in Russia 
and Poland, though the finest quality of Hemp comes from 
Italy. French Hemp is also much esteemed, as well as that 
grown in both England and Ireland; but for the present pur- 
pose it is necessary only to notice the culture of the chief 
kinds which enter into commerce. 
“ Hemp is cultivated in almost every province of Russia, but 
in the largest quantities in the interior, beyond Moscow, as 
well as nearer Petersburgh, and in the Polish provinces which 
belong to Russia. The soil must not be over rich nor too 
sterile, of moderate depth, and friable. The time of sowing 
varies from the middle of May to the end of June; by some 
‘it is recommended not to be sown until the latter end of June, 
as frosts are very injurious to its growth. The season of 
reaping is from the end of August to the end of September, 
and it is therefore between three and four months in a state 
of vegetation ; the male plants being pulled some weeks before 
the female. The Russian summer, though short, is regular 
while it lasts, and the temperature sufficiently high to bring it 
to full perfection. 
“That the northern latitudes of Russia are not essential for 
the successful cultivation of Hemp is, however, evident, from 
the large quantities which are grown in the southern climate 
of Italy, both in Bologna and Romagna, and along the banks 
of the Po, as well as in the neighbourhood of Naples. The 
Italians have a saying, that ‘Hemp may be grown everywhere, 
but it cannot be produced fit for use, either in heaven or earth, 
without manure.’ The climate of Italy, it is well known, is 
remarkable for its clearness, regularity, dryness, and warmth, 
and that irrigation is essentially necessary for much of its 
agriculture. The Italian Hemp is fine, soft, light-coloured, 
and strong, as well as long in the staple; and it is important 
to remark that it brings the highest price in the English 
market, as, for instance, it sells for 50 shillings per cwt. when 
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