242 



ON HEMP. 



Hemp, peculiarly intended to be hitherto spoken of is the male or 

 flower-bearing Hemp, which is intended for fine uses, it is to be 

 observed, that it must be worked with heckles or hatchels such as 

 are used for flax- dressing, by which it may be brought to an ex- 

 treme fineness ; and the shorts having no pieces of straw or reed 

 amongst them, may be carded and spun, and brought into use for 

 all the same purposes as cotton, and the same methods used for 

 bleaching and softening. It is likewise requisite to work this 

 Hemp as soon as pulled, without which the greatest softness and 

 whiteness cannot be obtained : and as this sort generally falls ripe 

 between hay-time and harvest, when the weather is warm and fine, 

 and the women most at liberty, it will be a suitable occasion to draw 

 and cleanse the Hemp ; the dressing may be reserved for winter. 



