( 14 ) 
Planting should be carried out at the commence- 
ment of the wet season. The area selected must 
be cleared of all weeds, and the soil brought to a 
fine tilth by changkolling to a depth of 4 to 6 inches 
and breaking up the surface lumps of earth. This 
will provide an even seed bed for the reception of 
the seed. When weather conditions are favourable, 
the seed is broadcast at the rate of about 20 lbs. 
to the acre and lightly raked in. It is important 
to see that the land is thoroughly free from weeds 
previous to sowing as weeding, after this operation, 
is discontinued. 
The crop is usually ready for harvesting when the 
plant commences to flower — viz. about 3 1 /? months 
from the time of sowing. It has been noted, how- 
ever, that flowering is sometimes delayed consider- 
ably, in which case the crop should be cut not later 
than the end of the fourth month from sowing. 
The best time for cutting is after rain, as the bast 
then comes away more easily. 
Stripping the bast from the wood is accomplished 
by hand-labour; preferably in the field, in order to 
save transport. The bundles of bast are brought 
to the retting-tanks, which should be situated near 
running water for the washing of the fibre after 
retting. 
The period of immersion in the retting-tanks varies 
slightly, but is generally from 8 to 10 days. Over- 
retting weakens the fibre and destroys its gloss. 
The fibre must be kept submerged in the water. 
After retting, the material is thoroughly washed in 
running water, care being taken to see that it is 
free from all foreign matter. The fibre is then 
sun-dried, combed and baled for shipment. 
