ON HEMP. 



81 



The seed should be sown about the beginning of the periodical 

 rains; or earlier, if there have been frequent showers. 



In many parts of Bengal, particularly where the land is so low 

 as to remain humid through the dry weather season, Hemp thrives 

 luxuriantly during the cold season : but the water is then too cold 

 for macerating the plants to the greatest advantage. One day in 

 June, July, or August, has more effect in loosening the bark, than 

 eight in December, January, or February ; consequently, the pro- 

 longed immersion injure^ the quality of the Hemp much. The 

 rainy season is therefore preferable for the cultivation and macera- 

 tion, even if the plant grew better during the cold ; which is by no 

 means the case, particularly on lands elevated above the level of the 

 annual inundation of the low rice fields. We must therefore con- 

 tent ourselves with one crop in the year; for it is a very false notion, 

 though a prevailing one, that the fertile fields of Asia produce 

 at least two crops annually.* As well might we say, that the fertile 

 lands of England yield at least two, because a well-managed garden 

 near London, or some other large city, will produce repeated crops 

 in the year. So in India, by great care and industry, a spot here 

 and there will produce two or more crops. The burning heats of 

 Asia, while they last, are as unfavourable to vegetation as the frosts 

 of winter in Europe. 



Dr. Roxburgh's Essay.— Board of Trade Cons. A2th Sept. 1801. 



* The Resident of Malda speaks of two, and even three* crops of Sunn 

 being produced in the year. 



M 



