ON HEMP. 



for drying, especially if it falls at intervals, and is succeeded by 

 warm sun-shine : and even much rain, though rather unfavourable, 

 is preferable to much dry weather ; because the degree of putrefac- 

 tion necessary for completing the disjunction of the harle from the 

 outside or rind of the stalk, thereby meant to be effectuated, will 

 be perfected in a shorter space of wet than of dry weather; and 

 that, while no prejudice arises from its being left standing without 

 doors, a few days well improved, will be found sufficient for ren- 

 dering it houseable, and also for bringing it in. Durrw. 



Every one knows the method of drying the Hemp when it is 

 sufficiently watered, and of what consequence it is to preserve it in 

 a dry state, until it be thought proper to peel or brake it. 



To dry the Hemp as much as it ought to be before it be 

 braked, we may make use of either the public or private ovens ; 

 and those who take this method, know very well, with what pre- 

 caution it ought to be done. Others dry it along a wall, at a dis- 

 tance from their houses, or in caverns made for the purpose, open 

 to the south and sheltered from the north wind, under a rock, or 

 only covered with dry stones, or pieces of wood with earth upon 

 them, according to the custom or convenience of the place. 



, Marcandier, 



When the Hemp, after having been properly steeped, is taken 

 out of the water, the bundles should be untied and spread upon 

 sand, or upon strong rocky ground ; or if neither of these be at 

 hand, it may be laid upon a field that has been lately reaped, and 



where 



