208 ON HEMP. 



ing that degree of strength the fibre hath lost in being severed from 

 the plant. Conformably with the first authorities, any remains of 

 gumminess being left to dry in the fibre, give it the appearance of 

 strength, but in reality make it brittle. 



24?tk August, 1801. — Mr. Frushard sends a white line 

 made from Buddaul Sunn, whiter and clearer than any he ever 

 saw, which is the effect of its being thoroughly steeped; and 

 adds, it confirms all he has said on the mistaken notion of steeping 

 only forty hours, and consequently leaving the fibre charged 

 with the gummy substance, giving it the appearance of strength 

 to the hand, but in reality rendering it naturally less strong 

 when put to the test of a rope. 



On the 26th August, Mr. Frushard stated, that the season for 

 cutting was arrived. That the Riotts consider the orders for drying 

 before steeping, and steeping only forty hours, as next to impracticable, 

 from its taking so much more trouble to separate the fibre from the 

 reed than under the usual mode of practice. This, they say, will 

 of necessity occasion the latter part of every parcel to lie so much 

 longer in the water than the parcel they begin upon that it must in- 

 evitably be oversteeped, and less tender, and most likely to perish al- 

 together ; as also, that to dry the plant on taking it out of water, be- 

 fore separating the fibre from the reed will occasion a much greater loss 

 in tow. That they never practise this method but when they are distress- 

 ed for time, and under the dread of leaving it too long in the water, 

 when any parcel proves too large for the labourers employed in one 

 day. He desires to know if he may deviate or must conform to the 



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