ON HEMP. 



241 



which is the Hemp, lying in straight threads in the water or on 

 the table. 



You will perceive, that among the Hemp there is a great 

 quantity of gum left, looking like a jelly : this you will wash out, 

 as if you were washing any long straight piece of cloth, observing 

 not to displace or twist the threads, which would thwart the future 

 operation of dressing or heckling. The finer and whiter you de- 

 sire your Hemp to be, the more waters you will run it through, 

 squeezing it out at each time of washing; but I think it always 

 right at the last, to run it through a water, in which a slight quanti- 

 ty of soft soap has been beat up, after the rate of an ounce of soap 

 to three pounds of the Hemp, when dry. Do not squeeze it out 

 from this soap-water, but hang it to drain ; and when a little stiffen- 

 ed, open a little the bundle, and lay it to dry on a grass-plot or 

 floor, the former is preferable. This soap-water is not absolutely 

 necessary, but is certainly of great use for softening the Hemp, and 

 rendering it pleasant and easy to dress : but it may be dispensed 

 with, where it is very inconvenient, and where the Hemp is intend- 

 ed for coarse purposes. It is obvious, that all these operations 

 would be carried on to the most advantage near to some running 

 stream, or large lake, if it be standing water, on account of the 

 great use that is made of that element, and to save the trouble of 

 transportation. 



When thus dried, the Hemp is proper either for dressing or 

 storing : if the latter is intended, particular care must be taken 

 that it be thoroughly dry ; it will otherwise heat and spoil. As the 



i i Hemp, 



