226 



HEMP, 



THE MODES OF SEPARATING THE FIBRES FROM THE 



STEMS. 



After the Hemp is sufficiently dried, they proceed either to 

 peel it by taking one stalk after another, breaking the reed, and 

 slipping off the bark, or to break or brake it. The operation of 

 breaking Hemp, or beating out the dry bun or hex, which is the 

 woody part of the stem, from the rind or bark which covers it, is 

 performed three ways : by beating the Hemp with beetles, which is 

 laborious and tedious : or by a toothed-instrument called a brake, 

 beginning with the root-end ; or, which is the best method, by 

 fluted rollers, that are wrought by horses, wind, or water. The 

 Moravian Hemp-mill, used in America, is a good instrument for 

 this operation. It consists of a large heavy stone, shaped like a 

 sugar-loaf, with the small end cut off. This is moved by a water- 

 mill ; and the Hemp being laid on the floor, is bruised by the weight 

 of the stone passing over it. Mr. Robert Macpherson, Assistant 

 Secretary to the Commissioners and Trustees for Improvements in 

 Scotland, has lately .invented a new water-mill and foot-machines, 

 for Breaking, Scutching, and Beating Flax and Hemp. 



Chambers's Dictionary. 



After 



