ON HEMP. 53 



There can be no doubt, that the Riotts, if due encouragement 

 were held out to them, would readily adopt the European mode of 

 cultivating the Hemp, and also of dressing the fibre for cordage. A 

 native, who had an opportunity of observing the mode of culti- 

 vating and preparing the Hemp raised by Mr. Douglas at Rishera, 

 has offered to the Board of Trade to contract with them for sup- 

 plying a very considerable quantity, I believe five hundred maunds,* 

 -of properly dressed Hemp next season, at the rate of ten Sicca 

 rupees per maund.-j- 



Dressed Hemp might probably be soon procured at eight Sicca 

 rupees per maund, or j£28 per ton, but hardly at a lower rate, at 

 least for some time. 



When the mode of cultivation is better known, and the Riotts 

 find they have a certain market for their produce, it it proba- 

 ble they may be able to afford the dressed Hemp at a much lower 

 price. 



The ground must be manured, and repeatedly ploughed and 

 harrowed. 



Mr. Fleming. 



The seeds should be sown as thick as the natives commonly 



sow 



* About seventeen tons. 



f This is equal to 300 Sicca rupees, or, at 2s. 6d. per rupee, £U. per ton. 



