68 ON HEMP. 



'The Hemp-seed that is sown should always be of the growth 

 of the preceding year ; because, as it is an oily grain, it is apt to 

 become rancid, if kept too long ; in which case it loses its vegetative 

 power, insomuch, that, when it is two years old, many of the 

 grains will not rise at all ; and, if it be older, a still less quantity 

 will grow. Du Ham-el. 



Mills, in his Practical Husbandry, in addition to what is said 

 by Du Hamel, as above, remarks : " Experience has also proved, 

 " that in this, as in other grain, it is advisable, every second or 

 " third year, to choose the seed from a soil different from that in 

 «' which it is to be sown." 



Much care should be taken in the choice of Hemp-seed. That 

 of the last year's growth should be chosen, and such as has not been 

 heated in the carriage. Choose such seed as apears fresh, firm 

 and bright. Prove it by rubbing it between your hands : if it suffers 

 this without breaking, and becomes brighter, it is a good sign ; but if 

 it be broken and made dusty by rubbing, it is unfit for the farmer's use. 



Whatever seed is sent from England should be packed in small 

 casks, and great care taken to procure that which is new and of 

 the best quality ; before it is depended upon for a crop, a small 

 quantity should be sown in good earth, in a warm secured situation, 

 to see that it will vegetate. It has been supposed, that keeping 



Hemp- 



