188 



ON HEMP. 



in the water ; for it will then be over-steeped, that is to say, the 

 water will not only have acted upon the epidermis and the connecting 

 fibres, but likewise have produced a change in the longitudinal 

 fibres ; in short, the Hemp will be too much rotted, and in this 

 case the strength of the fibres or threads will be proportionably 

 impaired. On the contrary, when the Hemp has not lain long 

 enough in the water, its bark continues to adhere to the reed, the fibres 

 are harsh and elastic, and cannot by any subsequent process be ren- 

 dered sufficiently fine. There is, therefore, a medium to be observed ; 

 the happy selection of which depends, not only on the length of time 

 that the Hemp is to remain in the water, but also, 1. On the quality 

 of the water ; it being sooner steeped sufficiently in standing water 

 than in a running stream, and sooner in stagnant putrid water than 

 in that which is clear. 2. On the temperature of the air; for it 

 requires less time to be sufficiently rotted in warm weather than in 

 cold. 3. On the quality of the Hemp ; that which has been 

 raised on a rich soil, where it has not wanted for water, and which 

 has been pulled whilst yet a little green, being sooner steeped to a 

 proper degree, than that which has grown on a stiff -or dry ground, 

 and which has been let stand till it was too ripe. 



In general, when the Hemp has been steeped but a short time, 

 its fibres are thought to be the better. Hence arises the opinion, 

 that Hemp should not be steeped but in warm weather; and for this 

 reason, also, it is, that many, when the autumn is cold, defer the 

 steeping of their female Hemp till the next spring. It is, like- 

 wise, for. the same reason, that some prefer standing water, or even 



stag- 



