ON HEMP. 



51 



tillage, that it may waste itself there, and mix the more perfectly with 

 the ground, which, impregnated with these new salts, will derive 

 the greater advantages from the influences of that season, and catch 

 more of the volatile salts of the air, that commonly abound most 

 in the winter. 



Of all the sorts of dung that are used for Hemp-grounds, pi- 

 geon's dung only, or any other kind of dung that is fully ripe, ought 

 to be laid on before the last labour, as is practised with success in 

 several places. In countries where the land is strong, they general- 

 ly lay it in heaps after autumn. In this manner it becomes more 

 free and light than when it is only tilled. The snow and rains which 

 penetrate it in , the winter time, and the frosts that are common in 

 that season, kill, if we may so express it, that ground, as they 

 would a chalk-stone, and make it so free, that in the month of Fe- 

 bruary nothing more is wanting but to lay it level by a quick and 

 easy labour. All its parts, and even the most tender particles, will 

 then be found extremely small, light, and lively. 



But different soils require different methods of preparation ; and 

 it is the part of men of understanding to discontinue bad customs, 

 that have prevailed till this time, and substitute better methods in 

 their place. 



Marcandier, 



The ground should be made rich with dung, and for the con- 

 veniency of pulling the male or early Hemp (without hurting the 



H 2 other), 



