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X. Description of a Machine for breaking Hemp, ivith Ob- 

 servations on the Culture of Hemp in Canada. By Wil- 

 liam Bond, Esq., of Canada*. 



JL he culture of hemp in Upper Canada is no doubt one of 

 the most desirable objects with every person of discernment 

 settled there, and more particularly so with those of this 

 description in our mother country; and though there are so 

 many millions of acres so well calculated to the growth of 

 this highly valuable article, yet I do not expect much pro- 

 gress therein for some time, for the following reasons : 



The part of the country the best calculated for the growth 

 of hemp is so lately and in so small a degree occupied, that 

 few have begun to use the plough, but depend upon raising 

 a sufficiency of grain by harrowing only ; in this they are 

 not disappointed for two or three crops ; — in the mean time 

 they clear away fresh fields from the woods, many of them 

 to a large extent, which take up so much time in fencing 

 and dressing, that few of the farmers have been able to raise 

 more than needful for their own families' consumption, and 

 for the use of their neighbours : indeed thev are ignorant as 

 to the growth and management of hemp, and in general so 

 poor, that they cannot afford to raise any thing for sale that 

 will not bring them ready money as soon as brought to 

 market; and grain brings such a high price in cash, that 

 few farmers are inclined to turn their attention to any other 

 article. Another obstacle is, there being no person or per- 

 sons appointed to buy small quantities of hemp, and pay 

 ready money for the same. 



The tract of rich hemp land in Upper Canada is that part 

 west of Yonge Street f, and north of Dundas Street J, and 

 partly enclosed by Lakes Ontario, St. Clair, Huron and 



* From Transactions of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Mmutfac- 



lures, and Commerce, for 1807. For this communication and the article 



that immediately follows it, the Society voted their silver medal to Mr. Fond. 

 A model of the machine is preserved in the Society's repository. 



f A street leading from York, the seat of government, to the navigable 

 waters of Lake Simcoe. 



\ Leading to the River Thames. 



E 3 Simcoe. 



