43 



HEMP, 

 MODE OF CULTIVATION. 



The first and most considerable ploughing or stirring is given 

 to the Hemp-ground in the months of December and January, and 

 is called the winter-ploughing or stirring. Some use for this purpose 

 the common plough, laying the ground rough in furrows : others 

 use the vineyard-hoe, likewise forming furrows, that the ground 

 may be the better mellowed by the winter's frost. Some even dig 

 it with the spade, which is certainly the best method, but more 

 tedious and laborious ; while, on the contrary, ploughing it is 

 the most expeditious, but the least profitable. 



In the spring, the ground is thoroughly prepared for the re- 

 ceiving of the seed by two or three ploughings or stirrings; and a 

 fortnight or three weeks should intervene between each of these 

 ploughings, making them gradually slighter, and laying the ground 

 smooth and even. 



In these spring-stirrings, as in the winter one, either the plough, 

 hoe, or spade may be used. 



If after all these ploughings or stirrings, any lumps or clods of 



g 2 earth 



