174 



ON HEMP, 



I am of opinion, that Hemp should be watered as soon as possi- 

 ble after being pulled, because by drying the mucilage hardens, and 

 requires a more severe operation to develope the bark, than when 

 macerated immediately after being pulled, and which must prove 

 injurious to the fibre. The male plants, therefore, should not be 

 kept till the female plants are pulled, nor should they be steeped to« 

 gether ; because the male being more delicate han the female, the 

 fibre will be disengaged by a less degree of fermentation. I recom- 

 mend stagnant water for Hemp. Sinclair. 



Hemp is always water-retted. Clay-pits are preferred to any 

 running-water. The pits require being cleaned out once in seven or 

 eight years. An acre of three small waggon-loads are laid in one 

 bed. They will water five times in the same hole ; but it is thought 

 by some too much. If it is neceesary to wait, they pull as the hole 

 is ready, not cruising to leave it on the land after it is pulled. 



It is generally four days in the water, if the weather is warm ; 

 if not, five: but they examine and judge by feeling it. The ex- 

 penses are from twelve to fifteen shillings per acre, Suffolk Report, 



Hemp, when left for seed, is seldom water-retted ; but, I am 

 of opinion, it would be better if so done. It is generally stacked 



and 



