252 



ON HEMP. 



Commer colly. — When the bundles are taken out of the 

 water, the rind is instantly separated from the Sunn, which is done 

 by beating on each bundle with a large bamboo. This loosens the 

 rind ; when it is finally separated with the hand, and beating it 

 about in the water. The Sunn is then hung out on lines to dry ; 

 and when perfectly dried is cleaned, by picking, exposure to the 

 air, and beating it on mats. Board of Track Cons. \2thJune, 1801. 



Patna. — The principal difficulty to overcome, will be the 

 new mode of preparation, as it is attended with additional labour ; 

 and it is the labour required, which has hitherto prevented the 

 cultivation of Sunn from being extended. It is, therefore, an ob- 

 ject of importance, to point out a mode the most likely to facilitate 

 the separating the fibre from the stem, so as to render it unnecessary 

 to attain this object by steeping the plant so long in water as tc* 

 diminish the strength of the fibres. The most effectual way of 

 instructing the Natives, will be by example, by shewing them what 

 is expected, and the means of obtaining it. 



Board of Trade Cons. 23d June, 1801. 



Luckypore. — Objection is made to the mode of peeling,, 

 which, the Natives state, will enhance the expence. In some 

 places, the bark is separated from the stalk by beating with a kind of 

 mallet, after its being taken out of the water and dried. If this 

 mode is eligible, it would be less expensive, and the people be 

 more willing to receive the advances, than if required to peel it. If 



it 



