COMPILATION OF ARTICLES RELATING TO THE CULTURE AND MANUFACTURE OF HEMP IN THE UNITED STATES SELECTED PRINCIPALLY FROM NEWSPAPERS AND JOURNALS DEVOTED TO THE INTEREST OF AGRICULTURE BY E. FAIRBANKS. St. Johnsbury: printed at The Farmer's Herald Office, by Jewett and Porter -------------- 1829 PREFACE Although the following Articles have most of them been before the public, very few, it is believed, gave them at the time of publication, that attention which their importance deserved; and many who NOW feel a deep interest upon the subject, have not the means of readily obtaining the information they desire. The attention of the Agriculture Public has of late been much excited in relation to the culture of HEMP, but there are few whose EXPERIENCE enables them to engage in the business with confidence of success. The information contained in the articles here selected is valuable, embracing the result of experiments relating to the adaptation of our soil and climate to the growing of Hemp -- the method of preparing the Land -- the time and manner of Sowing and Harvesting -- preparation for the Market, & c., &c. These articles have been cut from different Newspapers, without any view to the present compilation, some of them are unavoidably inserted without giving credit to the Authors; but those embracing the most important information are under the signature of Gentlemen well known, and whose integrity and judgment entitle their communications to the highest confidence. The insulated situation particularly of the Northern and Middle sections of Vermont, must for a long time to come, render most kinds of surplus produce of comparatively little value. hemp will be an exception -- And it is believed that no country, for soil and climate is better adapted to its culture. Aware of the importance of this branch of Agriculture, a respectable proportion of the Farmers in Franklin, Orleans and Caledonia counties have commence the business with a spirit and enterprise much to their credit. Establishments for cleaning it are in a state of forwardness at Barton, in Orleans County, Hardwick, in Caledonia County, and Waterville, in Franklin county; and one of Hines & Bain's Machines will be put in operation in each of those places the present season. At St. Johnsbury in Caledonia County, a Company has recently been formed for the purpose of putting one in operation early next Summer. These Machines are built at St. Johnsbury, by E. & T. Fairbanks, and warranted good. The following facts from the letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting statements of the imports and exports of the U. States for the year ending 30th Sept. 1828, will illustrate in some measure the extent of the market for hemp. It should be remembered that "the articles imported into the United States, are in all cases valued at their actual cost, or the value which they sustain in the foreign port from whence they are imported into the United States, are in all cases valued at their actual cost, or the value which they sustain in the foreign port from whence they are imported into the U. States, free of any subsequent charge whatever." The aggregate, therefore, paid in our ports for hemp and flax, and for manufactures of hemp and flax, may be safely estimated at Ten Millions of Dollars, annually. It is a rational presumption that the consumption of hemp will be greatly increased; not only from the consideration of an increased population, but from the fact that the recent improvements in spinning and manufacturing it will render hempen goods a cheap and comfortable article for domestic use -- superseding in great measure the use of cotton sheetings and shirtings in the Northern States -- and probably, at no distant period, a profitable article for exportation. It may not be improper here to remark, that of the article entered as "Linens", a large proportion of those not exceeding fifty cents per yard, are manufactured from hemp. ------------------------------- ------------------------------- HEMP AND FLAX, AND MANUFACTURES OF HEMP AND FLAX IMPORTED INTO THE U. STATES DURING THE YEAR ENDING SEPT. 30, 1828 {Manufactures subject to duties ad valorem.} [Hemp] Sail Duck $ 678,483 Ticklenburgs, Osnaburgs, & Burlaps 604,674 Russia Sheeting -- Brown 306,833 do. do. -- White. 45,650 All other manufactures of Hemp excepting Cordage, 43,052 [Flax] Linens, bleached and unbleached, 2,471,352 Checks and Stripes, 48,336 All other manufactures of Flax, paying a duty of 25 per cent, 724,856 {Paying specific duties} Sail Duck, 1,515,584 square yards 413,266 Cordage, Tarred, & Cables, 2,164,096 pounds, 109,454 " Untarred & Yarn, 81,629 " 6,744 Twine, Pack Thread, Seine, &c., 424,029 pounds, 86,302 Hemp, raw, 161,604 cwt. 1,075,243 Flax, manufactured, 6,488 " 46,686 ---------- $6,655,926 St. Johnsbury, August, 1829. HEMP. On the Culture and Preparing Hemp in Russia, transmitted by the Hon. John Quincy Adams, Minister at St. Petersburgh, March 1810. In Russia, when the season is mild, the Hemp seed is sown about the first of June, old style.--The richer the soil of the land employed for it, the better. A chetwirt of seed, (100 chetwirts are equal to 75 quarters, Winchester measure,) is sown on a piece of land of 80 fathoms (English feet) long, and 60 fathoms broad. The land is first ploughed and harrowed, and, about 200 single horse loads of dung being spread upon it, it is left for six days, when it is again ploughed, and the seed sown and harrowed the same day. In about four months the seed becomes ripe, and the hemp is then pulled up with the roots; if it be allowed to remain too long in the ground, it is apt to become harsh. It is bound into heads or bunches of four handfuls each; these are hung upon sticks placed horizontally, thus X--O--0--O--O--O--O--X and allowed to remain so for two days. It is then made into cut or thrashed hemp, as may be agreeable. The cut hemp is made by chopping off the heads containing the seed. These are put into the kiln, and , after remaining there for eighteen hours, the seed is beaten out. If thrashed hemp is to be made, the heads or tops must not be cut off, but the bunches of hemp, placed entire in the kiln, and, if the weather be warm, it will be sufficiently dry in three days, when the seed must be thrashed out of the heads. In either case, three days after the seed is separated from it, the hemp must be put to steep or rot, either in a stream or a pond, and that the hemp may be entirely immersed, it is put under wooden frames upon which stones are placed, or, where they are not to be had, earth is substituted, after the frames are covered with planks. the clearer and purer the water, the better will be the color of the hemp. Where water is warm, three weeks steeping will be sufficient, but, if cold, as in rivers, springs &c. five weeks or longer may be necessary. At the expiration of this period, a head of hemp is taken out and dried; if, on beating and cleaning it, the husk comes off, the hemp may then be taken out of the water but if the husk still adheres to it, it must be allowed to remain some time longer. This trial must be repeated from time to time, till the husk separates, when the hemp must be taken out of the water, and suspended to dry, as directed before, on its being taken off the ground. The hemp is now to be made into two sorts, distinguished by the names of Spring and Winter hemp; the former being dry and rather of a withered appearance, the latter more moist, and a fine brownish green color, containing more of the vegetable oil, and, therefore, the most apt to heat, though, if not shipped at Petersburg or Riga, before September, there is not much risk of its heating any more on board the ships, especially on short voyages, as to England, and is, the best fit for cables. If it be intended that the hemp should be early ready for market, it is made into Winter hemp by the following process: On being taken out of the water, it is left suspended in the open air about a fortnight, when it is put into the kiln for twenty-four hours, after which it is broken by means of a hand-mill, and the wooden instruments, of the shape of a large two-edged knife, lastly, to unravel it, it is drawn through a wooden comb, or card, with one row of wide wooden teeth, fixed perpendicularly. The hemp is then laid up or suspended in sheds, and is fit to be sorted, bound into bundles, and loaded into the barks. The hemp to be prepared as Spring hemp, is allowed to remain suspended, and exposed to the weather the whole winter, until it be dried by the sun in the spring, when it is broken and cleaned in the same manner as the Winter hemp. As the greatest part of the summer elapses before it can be made fit for the market none of this hemp reaches St. Petersburg until the following spring, that is, two years after it was sown. The hemp is sown in the same manner as linseed, rye, or wheat; land, of a sandy soil, may also be employed for it, but it must be strongly manured, otherwise it will be too short, and a flat country should always be preferred. One chetwirt of seed commonly yields 25 loads (upwards 36 pounds English) of hemp, and twelve chetwirts of hemp seed. [FROM DEAN'S NEW ENGLAND FARMER.] This plant is tap-rooted, and therefore does best in a deep and free soil. It is luxuriant and quick in its growth, and therefore requires a rich and well prepared soil. The soils which have been found to suit it best, are a rich gravelly loam, or a rich black mould, which is dry and deep. It is an error to think that it needs a wet soil, for it bears drought almost equally with any plant that we cultivate.* ---------------------------------------- *NOTE. -- Some farmers have fallen into this error the present season, and will probably be disappointed in their expectations of a crop. Others have planted upon cold, shallow, heavy soil, vainly anticipating a crop of hemp where nothing else will grow. The judicious, enterprizing farmer will see the impropriety of forming an opinion as to the profits of a hemp crop, founded upon such premises. The statements of Messrs. Barnum, Lathrop, Parker, and others, predicated upon actual and successful experiment, it would seem, must satisfy the most incredulous that this branch of agriculture may be profitably pursued in this country; and any failure not incident to other crops must result from want of experience in the proper selection of soil, or from improper management. --------------------------------------- To prepare land for a crop of hemp, the land should be ploughed to a good depth in the fall of the year preceding. If it be green-sward land, it should be ploughed as early as August or September, that the sward may be perfectly rotten. And if it were ploughed in ridges it would be better, and fit for sowing the earlier. -- And by cross ploughing and harrowing in the spring, it should be made extremely fine and mellow. A little dung should be applied, if the land be not in the best heart; and the fall is the best time to apply it. But if composts are used, they should be laid on just before sowing. The time of sowing the seed is as early in the spring as the soil can be got in good order, as it is a plant that is not easily injured by frost; but the middle of May will not be too late. "The quantity of seed for an acre, in the broad-cast way, is three bushels; but half that quantity, in the drill method, will be enough. -- If the land be poor, a smaller quantity will serve. The ground should be watched after sowing, that birds do not take away the seeds. The great profit on a crop of hemp, and its being an article that will readily command cash, should recommend the culture of it to our farmers. Persons need not fear their crops will lie upon their hands, when they consider the vast sums of money which are yearly sent to other countries for this article, almost enough to deprive the country of a medium, and how naturally the demand for it will increase as it becomes more plenty. There is no reason to doubt of success in raising hemp if the soil be suitable, and well prepared -- for it is liable to no distemper-- cattle will not destroy it, unless it be with their feet and it is an antidote to all sorts of devouring insects. Neither is the plant difficult as to climate. Though the hottest climates do not suit it, temperate and cool ones do -- and it has been found by the small trials that have been made, to thrive well in the various parts of New England. The most northern parts are very suitable for the growing of hemp -- the southern are equally so. --------------------------------- [FROM THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS.] Experience has already we believe quieted the fears entertained by some that hemp was so exhausting a crop that nothing could be advantageously grown on the land after it. Among other testimonies on this subject we select from the Bellows Falls' Intelligencer the following statement of Mr. Amos Parker, a practical and experienced farmer of Springfield in this State. Springfield, Oct. 10. Sir -- In answer to the questions you have been pleased to ask in relation to the culture of hemp, &c. I can briefly remark, that during the years 1813, 14 and 15, I sowed upon my farm about one acre of hemp; it was sowed upon what is termed meadow land, upon the Connecticut river, and was continued upon the same piece of land, three years successively. -- There appeared to be no essential difference in the several crops, either as to quality or quantity. It may be proper to remark, that during this time no manure was put upon the land. The great labor then required to water rot it in the stem, rendered the growing of hemp, both expensive and burthensome, and finally induced me to relinquish it altogether. From my own experience on the subject. I am fully satisfied that a hemp crop, is not what would be called an exhausting crop, but may be successfully and profitably cultivated on good land, with the same attention that we usually bestow upon our grain and other crops. Under this conviction, and the additional inducement of obtaining a market for hemp without the process of the water rotting, which I superseded by a newly invented machine for cleaning, I have engaged to plant a part of my land the ensuing season for the purpose of raising a crop of seed, in order to be in preparation to raise the lint the following season. I am, Sir &c. AMOS PARKER. ------------------------------- Letter from the Hon. Samuel Lathrop to the Editor of the New England Farmer. Mr. J.B.Russel. -- I embrace the first moment of leisure, to give you, in compliance with your request, an account of the method pursued by our farmers, in the cultivation of hemp. It has been raised in my neighborhood for more than twenty years. It is considered as a sure crop; and the price which it has borne for a few years past, affords a reasonable remuneration to the cultivator. In the account which I shall give, there will probably be nothing new or instructive to those already acquainted with the prosesss. If you think it will be useful to others you will make such use of it as you think proper. Hemp requires a deep and rich soil. -- Any attempt to raise it upon a light soil, or upon land worn out and exhausted, until it is recruited by manure, and a fertilizing course of husbandry, will result only in disappointment. Nor can it long be continued upon the piece of ground, without an annual supply of manure. But upon a good soil, with an annual sprinkling of manure, at the rate of eight to ten loads to the acre, it may be continued for a succession of years, without any material diminution in the value of the crop. The ground must be prepared for the seed, much in the same manner as for flax. It must be ploughed and harrowed sufficiently to break the clods, and to render the soil fine and mellow. As different degrees of labor produce this effect, it must be left to the judgment of the cultivator to determine when his ground is in a proper state to receive the seed. I can safely say, that few farmers err, in ploughing and harrowing too much. The time for sowing is about the 10th of May. A few days earlier or later will make no difference. It must not be so early as to expose the tender plant to severe frosts, and if sown late in May, it will produce a light crop -- the stalks will have a thin coat. The quantity of seed varies with the strength and condition of the ground. Two bushels is the usual quantity sown upon an acre -- and this is generally sufficient. Some have used more, and upon very strong land have gone as high as three bushels. But I believe that few of our farmers have found their account in using a greater quantity than that first named. When it exceeds that quantity, the land must not only be strong but it must be reduced to a very fine tilth.. Otherwise, when it comes to grow, there will be a great deal of under-brush; that is, short spindling, coatless stalks, of no value, and which will only be in the way, at the time of pulling. The seed is sown broad cast, and bushed or harrowed in, like flax. No further attention to the crop is required until the season for pulling and cutting. Although the latter mode of gathering is attended with less labor, our farmers almost universally adopt the former, as the most profitable. This commences about the 10th of August. The time of pulling is determined by the appearance of the hemp. There are two kinds of hemp in every field, distinguished by the names of the male and the female. The latter produces the seed, the former the blossom and the farina. the male hemp has but a few slender branches. when this has turned white, or a pale yellow, has shed its leaves, and the farina has chiefly fallen off, then it is time to pull it. The female hemp has more and stronger branches, and continues fresh and green until the seed is ripe. It is common to leave patches or narrow strips, where the seed hemp is most abundant, until the seed has ripened, which will be about a month after the time of pulling; in which case, the economical farmer will pull out the male hemp as far as it is practicable; for the fibres of the hemp that stands in the field until the seed is ripe, are always stiff and harsh, and will bring less in the market, than that which has been pulled at the proper season. The pulling is a heavy job. One-fourth of an acre is considered as a day's work, though expert hands will pull a third of an acre. No precaution is necessary except to guard against breaking the stalks. The laborer gathers a few stalks in his hands and pulls them up, and having repeated this three or four times, he strikes the roots once or twice with his foot, in order to kick off the dirt, then holding the whole loose in his hands, lets the roots drop on the ground, for the purpose of making that end of his handful even. And in spreading his hemp on the ground, he is careful to lay the butts straight and true. This will greatly facilitate the labor of binding. Rain upon hemp after it is pulled, produces the same effect as upon mown grass. It discolors it and injures its quality. It must therefore be suffered to lie upon the ground no longer than it is necessary for its preservation. As soon as it is sufficiently dried, which, in warm and drying weather, will be after two days sun, it must be bound up in small bundles or sheaves. A little rye straw is the cheapest and best thing for bands. Let the band be put on towards the middle, otherwise it would be difficult to bind close enough to hold together, through all the subsequent handlings. Set up 15 to 20 bundles together, well braced at the roots to admit a free circulation of air, and to prevent from blowing over, and let it remain in this situation, until it is cured sufficiently to put into a stack or under cover. This may be done, in good weather, after two or three days. In the construction of the stack, great pains must be taken, lest the rain should find a passage into it. It is safest to put it under cover, either under sheds about the barn, or by erecting one for the purpose. It may be asked, why not transport it to the place of rotting and immerse it in the water, immediately after it is pulled, or as soon as it is dry, and save the trouble of securing it from the weather? I am not prepared to say that this cannot be done with safety, under vigilant care and attention. It is believed, however, that it would be exposed to greater hazard of loss, than at a later period. At the time of pulling, the weather is hot, and the water warm. Putrefaction proceeds with great rapidity. If the hemp should remain in the water a little too long, or if, after it is drawn from the water, there should be a long rain, or a continuance of damp weather to prevent its drying, it would be rotted too much, and the fibre would be materially injured, if not destroyed. But when the hemp is immersed later in the season, after the weather and water have become cool, there is no risk in suffering it to remain in the water a short time longer than is necessary. It is also supposed that when the hemp is rotted in hot weather, there will be a greater proportion of tow -- and after it is drawn from the water, the bands must be opened and the hemp spread, in order that it may dry quickly. It is also a busy season with the farmer, and he can attend to it at a later period, with less interruption to other branches of husbandry.These are the reasons which have induced our farmers to postpone the rotting till the latter part of October. As I have never tried any experiments in reference to this part of the process, and indeed have had but little experience in the culture of hemp on my own farm, I will not give an opinion whether their reasons are well founded or not. I have not undertaken to point out the best method, in relation to any part of the process, but only to describe the course pursued in my own neighborhood. It has sometimes been made a question, whether running or stagnant water was to be preferred. The former has been universally applied here. -- A place is selected near the margin of some brook or small stream, which will afford a basin in which the hemp can be deposited, and where by erecting a dam across the stream, the hemp can be covered with water. In the first place, the dam is built of sufficient height to secure the requisite supply of water, leaving a gateway in the natural course of the stream, and the top of the gate a little lower than the height of the dam, to let off the surplus water. After the dam is completed, shut the gate and try the dam, in order to ascertain whether it is water tight, and will stand against the pressure produced by raising the pond. If it proves sufficient, then let off the water and put in the hemp. A space of two or three feet should be left between the hemp and the dam, so that if a leak should be discovered, there may be room to stop it. This precaution may be ;unnecessary in an old and tried dam, but should not be omitted in a new one. Put down a layer of hemp, laying the bundles compactly, then a second course on the first, in a transverse direction, and so o n successively, until the whole crop is deposited in the bed, or as much as the basin will receive. Weights, consisting of long and heavy timber, or plank, or slabs with stones upon them, must then be laid across the bed to prevent it from floating. Having deposited the hemp and secured it from rising, the gateway may be closed and the water raised upon the hemp. It will be observed that the level of the hemp must be lower than the gateway, so that the whole body may be immersed in water, and continued so, until it is rotted. The length of time necessary to complete the rotting process depends much upon the weather, and the temperature of the water. It may be ascertained whether it has lain in the water long enough, by taking out one of the bundles, drying and breaking it. If the stem cracks easily, and the rind and harl readily separates from the wood, it is sufficiently rotted. So also, if while it lies in the water, the roots will twist off easily. Hemp put into the water the last week of October, will generally require about three weeks. When put in later, I have known it lie seven weeks. If put into stagnant water, soon after it is pulled, five or six days is enough. When the hemp is rotted, open the gateway and drain off the pond. The hemp must then be removed to a piece of grass land -- the bundles laid upon the ground singly, and, after two or three days, turned over. When partially dried, it is carried and set up, inclining, against a fence where it remains until it is fit for the brake. It may then be carried to the building or shed where it is to be dressed; or the brake may be carried to the hemp, as is generally the case here, and after it is broken, it is removed to the barn for the finishing process -- or if the weather is not too severe, it may be dressed where it is broken. A cheap vehicle or sled, for the removal of the hemp from the pond, may be made of two pieces of slit work, about 9 feet in length, with three cross beams of the same material. The stakes driven closely through each beam and runner, will serve the double purpose of holding the sled together, and keeping the hemp from falling off. No tongue will be necessary. It may be drawn with chains. If however the grass ground is at any considerable distance from the pond, wheels may be necessary. In dressing, two brakes are used. The first, coarser than a common flax brake, the second, as fine as a flax brake, at the head, with one additional bar in each jaw. If the hemp is well rotted and faithfully broke, but little remains for the swingling board. A man accustomed to the business, will brake and dress from 50 to 75 lbs per day. The labor required to prepare a crop of hemp for market, is not considerable. But it will be observed, that but a small portion of the labor comes at a season, when the farmer is most busily occupied in gathering and securing his other crops. The pulling comes on soon after the hay and grain are secured. The rotting does not commence till after Indian harvest, and the winter grain is sown. The dressing is wholly done in cold weather, when the farmer has little occupation besides that of taking care of his stock and providing fuel. Every considerable farmer who has land suitable for hemp, might raise a few acres, without greatly interfering with his ordinary course of husbandry. The average crop is six or seven hundred to the acre. I have raised nine or ten -- but this is an unusual crop. The land was strong, and in very fine tilth. The hemp grew to a great height and was very uniform throughout the piece. The price of hemp in market has varied, of late years, from $10 to $12,50 a hundred. Scarce any crop of field culture can be put upon the land, which will produce so great a result. It is not uncommon for the farmer to let out his land upon shares. In that case, the usual terms are, that the owner of the land prepares the ground, and furnishes one half the seed. The occupant furnishes the other half of the seed and performs all the labor, after the seed is harrowed in, and returns to the owner one-half of the seed, and one-half of the hemp, prepared for market. In one instance, I have received, for the use of my land, more than forty-five dollars an acre, clear profit. The moiety of the seed returned tome, was amply sufficient to pay my part of the seed furnished, and the labor of preparing the ground. QUALITY.-- The hemp grown in this neighborhood, when well dressed, commands the highest price of the best Russia hemp, and is readily purchased by the manufacturers of cordage. Our farmers sometimes mistake their own interest, by neglecting to hatchel out the tow, through fear of too much diminishing their weight. An experiment was made in 1824, by direction of the Commissioners of the Navy, to try its strength in comparison with the Russian. "Two ropes, 2 1-4 inches in circumference, one made of hemp grown in this town, broke with 3209 lbs. The other made of clean St. Petersburg broke with 3118 lbs." I mention this fact for the purpose of satisfying the doubting -- if any such there are -- that our soil and climate are as well adapted to the cultivation of this article, as those of Russia, and that no one need be deterred from entering upon its cultivation, under any apprehensions that his crop, if rightly managed and well prepared, will be of inferior value. At a time when the supply of the ordinary products of the farm exceeds the demand, and consequently the price is so low as almost to discourage agricultural enterprise, it deserves the consideration of farmers in different parts of the country, whether their interest does not require them to turn a part of their land and to apply a portion of their labor, to the cultivation of hemp. The annual import from Russia does not probably fall short of half a million of dollars. This amount might, in a short time, be brought to market, from our own soil. In addition to this, we annually import in duck, and other manufactures of hemp, exclusive of cordage, to the amount of more than a million and a half of dollars. These manufactures might be carried on in our own country, as well as those of cotton and woollen goods. The present rate of duty on imported hemp is $45 a ton, which is sufficient to afford adequate protection, to the extent of the demand. If the continuance of this duty should not come within the rule prescribed by our present chief Magistrate, which "requires that the great interests of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures should be equally favored," it may perhaps come within his exception to the rule of giving "peculiar encouragement to any products of either of them, that may be found essential to our national independence." I am yours, &c. SAM. LATHROP. West Springfield, March 16, 1829. --------------------------------- Letter from GEN. BARNUM to the Editor of the Vermont Aurora: SIR.-- Having recently received a great number of communications on the subject of the culture of Hemp, I am induced to ask through the medium of your paper the privilege of a reply to the whole of them, which will save all parties some trouble, at least. I do not wish it to be supposed, however, that I consider the communications burthensome: quite otherwise. I am pleased with their enquiries, happy to add their names to the list of my correspondents, and only regret my want of knowledge and experience to give them all the information required. Before I attempt to reply to their different enquiries, it is proper to say that when I embarked in the business, I commenced wrong and continued in error until it was too late to prevent the damage sustained in the last year's crop, for want of proper information. Bad as it was, it proved better than any other crop upon my farm. With respect to Soil. -- Intervale land or that covered with vegetable mould, called black muck, is generally considered best: in a warm and moderately wet season, it is so; but by no means ought to be considered the only land suitable for its growth. In fact, any land in our climate that will bear a good crop of flax, corn or potatoes, will produce a good crop of hemp. Preparation for Sowing.-- Where green sward is intended, I consider it preferable on most soils, particularly clay, to have it ploughed in the fall. Previous to sowing, the soil should be harrowed thoroughly in the Spring, when the surface is dry; and if not quite smooth, it will be much improved by passing a roller over it -- (a machine which ought to be more generally used for many farming purposes.) Other lands may be ploughed in the Spring, and the oftener the better: in no instance should the operation of sowing be performed until the land is thoroughly pulverized by the plough and harrow. Flat and low lands ought to be laid in ridges of from five to seven feet in width for this, as well as all other crops. On loam or sandy soils, it will be found advantageous occasionally to run furrows from the upper to the lower side of your fields, to permit the water in case of heavy rains or wet seasons to pass off freely. Hemp, in our climate, is a healthy, hardy plant, and yields to no enemy except water and frost. It effectually subdues the grub and wire worm, the thistle and every noxious weed, and leaves the land light and in fine condition for any succeeding crop. Time for Sowing and Planting.-- In this particular, it is a most accommodating crop. In our climate, any time from the 1st of May to the 24th of June may be considered good season: all things being right, I should prefer sowing between the 5th of May and the 10th of June.-- Last season, some crops were sown as late as the 10th of July, after a crop of flax had been taken from the land, and these crops were good. It must be recollected, however, that the last season was unusually favorable for late sowed crops. The success of these experiments ought not to induce us to imitate this hazardous example. It is true, we are promised a seed time and a harvest, but it is equally true that the promise does not include all seasons of the year; and such as calculate to benefit themselves by this good promise, ought to remember there is an implied condition which admonishes us that we have something to do ourselves to insure its benefits. Quantity of Seed.-- Two bushels I consider the proper quantity to be sowed upon an acre of good land (and none other ought ever to be sowed with hemp.) The prevalent idea of a hemp crop's impoverishing land more than any other of equal growth, requiring nourishment from the earth and atmosphere, is altogether ridiculous. Where green sward is intended, three crops are sowed in succession: the second, usually best, and the third about equal to the first. A regular rotation of crops in good husbandry is desirable, where circumstances will permit; but not absolutely requisite, as is often contended. Time and Manner of Harvesting.-- As long as hemp seed maintains its present price, I consider the most profitable time to cut or pull it is when about half of the seed has attained its full size. By so doing, you save a considerable portion of the male hemp, which bears no seed, and the lint of the female hemp, nearly in perfection; and in addition, secure to yourself from 8 to 10 bushels of seed to the acre, and the lint but little inferior to that cut in the blow. if sowed or planted entirely for seed, it should stand longer, but not so late as is usually practised. If it remains until a great portion of the seed is turned to a black or dark brown colour, you lose more by shelling, in the operation of gathering, than is lost by light and imperfect seed by securing it earlier. The stalks of hemp planted for seed are of little value--not worth the expense of transportation to a machine. The usual mode of harvesting in this country, is performed by cutting it with a cradle. Where the surface of the land is quite smooth, it is undoubtedly the most expeditious manner of gathering; but not in my opinion the most economical. I consider pulling decidedly preferable. The best part of the coater lint is that nearest the root. Four inches of the bottom of the stalk (which is generally left when cradled) is worth more than twelve inches near the top; and in a good crop the saving would be equal to the whole expense of pulling. Before dismissing this subject, I consider it my duty to say that in my preference for pulling, instead of cradling, I differ inn opinion with the Kentucky hemp growers and most of my neighbors in whose judgment I have great confidence on most subjects; but in this particular, I believe they are mistaken. Experience, our surest guide, will shortly test the correctness of these opinions. After pulling or cradling, it should be bound in bundles of 6 or 8 inches in diameter, put into stooks of 10 or 12 bundles, with the butts standing out and the tops secured by at least two bands. In this manner it may remain where a partial seed crop is expected, until fit for thrashing; the time for which must in a great degree depend upon the state of the weather; the sooner it can be done the better. Immediately after thrashing it should be taken to a pond or vat, for water rotting or housed. As exposure to the atmosphere not only injures the colour, but the fibre, great care should be taken before binding to even the butts. This is an important consideration, not only in dressing, but in the value of the article in market. The profits of a Hemp Crop.-- I must reply to this enquiry, by saying, that the extravagant anticipations of many (who are at least half crazy on this subject) cannot be realized. I believe, when properly managed on suitable land, it is decidedly the most profitable crop our country produces; but such as expect a profit of from 75 to 100 dollars per acre, will nine times out of ten experience disappointment. Such profits have in some instances been realized; but they are of rare occurrence. John Fraser, Esq. of Ferrisburgh, one of our most wealthy and respectable farmers, will realize a net profit of more than ninety dollars an acre from the land he sowed last season to hemp; but few if any of his neighbors can boast a similar result. I consider the average net proceeds of a fair crop on suitable land, will be from 25 to 30 dollars per acre. Notwithstanding our want of information from the beginning of our experiments, and bad management to the close of last season. I am warranted in saying, that all the hemp growers of a fair crop in this neighborhood, where common prudence has been exercised, will realize a profit of at least 20 dollars per acre. Preparation for Market.-- Since the introduction of Hines' Patent Hemp and Flax Dressing Machine, (which from all the information I have been able to obtain, is preferable to any machine now in operation in Europe or America) most of the hemp offered in market from the Northern States, has been dressed without either dew or water rotting in the stem, -- a practice which ought not to be continued or countenanced. From this circumstance, American hemp has been quoted at a price much below the foreign article; which has induced many to believe that our soil and climate are not adapted to its growth, and that we must always be tributary to Russia for the first quality of this indispensable article. -- Such impressions are erroneous, and ought to be corrected. The soil and climate of many parts of the Northern States and a considerable portion of Lower Canada will produce as good hemp as grows on earth. All that is required to bring the article into just repute, is proper care in cultivation and suitable preparation for market. I repeat, that water rotting in the stem is indispensably requisite; and without this process, we cannot rationally calculate on a successful competition with a nation less civilized than our own. American farmers are generally in too great haste. We try to do too much. It would be for our interest to improve less land and to cultivate better what we do improve. Dew rotting improves hemp very much, but is by no means equal to water rotting. The latter process is less expensive. Most farmers who have no natural ponds, can with trifling expense fit up a little pool or vat. On clay land, where water can be introduced, two men with a team plough and scraper, will with two or three days labor, make an artificial pond sufficient for water rotting the produce of 20 acres. The time for hemp to be immersed, depends on the temperature of the water. From 3 to 6 days, will, at the proper season be found sufficient in still and stagnant water, which is generally considered preferable. it should be carefully watched after the third day, and when the coat is found easily to separate from the stem, the work is done, and no time should be lost in removing it from the water. The best and least expensive mode of drying is to unbind the hemp and set it up by the side of a fence or light railing, erected for the purpose, where the water will readily drain off, and the hemp dry much sooner than by spreading it upon grass. For want of necessary conveniences for drying in this manner and the process for spreading, grassland should be resorted to. Great care ought to be taken in wet or moist weather, to have it turned often, to prevent mill-dew. After drying, it may be bound in large bundles, taking care to even the butts as much as possible, and immediately housed or taken to the Machine for drying. The future prospects of a Market.-- On this subject most of my correspondents have the same means of judging that I possess. My opinion is, that if the present tariff continues, (of which I have very little doubt) the present price will be fully maintained for a number of years at least. The increased quantity grown in the Untied States will fall far short of the increased consumption and the decrease of importation. Notwithstanding the high duty to which this article is subject, I anticipate large importations for several years. It must be so; the demands of our country absolutely require it. considerable exertions were made in this State last season to grow hemp, and some feared the market would shortly be overstocked in consequence. To such, I can say, without fear of contradiction, that all hemp raised in Vermont would not be sufficient to fit out two of our ships of the line with canvass and cordage, or even to furnish two of our sister States with bale rope and bagging to pack their cotton. Canvass and cordage are perishable articles. I consider it fair to conclude there is no danger of the price declining for many years to come. Russia, from whom we have received our principal supplies, has enough to do just now without growing hemp for us. In reply to the enquiries respecting the operation and expense of the Hemp Machine, erected at this place, I have to remark, it equals the most sanguine expectations of the proprietors. In the commencement, many doubts and strong prejudices existed unfavorable to its successful operation. -- The simplicity of its mechanism and six months experience of its operation have satisfied me that no great improvement can rationally be expected in the manner of dressing hemp and flax. Several enterprizing citizens are now engaged in attempting improvements upon Hines' machine. I heartily wish them a rich reward for their praiseworthy motives and labor; but have no confidence in their success. Some improvements in the construction of certain parts of the machinery, and useful additions, may be expected; but in my opinion none can reasonably be anticipated in the principle. Many of our ingenious and most worthy mechanics frequently lose sight of some of the first and most important principles of mechanism. They should always remember, that one pound cannot be made to outweigh two, -- that weight will find its balance, and all increase of motion is at least an equal loss of power. In regard to the quantity and price of hemp seed in this vicinity, I can only say, that a few hundred bushels might at this time be obtained at $4 per bushel. I think it probable the price will advance soon after the opening of navigation. I presume the tedious length of this communication will be considered a sufficient apology for my omitting a reply to other inquiries of my correspondents. To several of them, nothing short of experience can give the information sought for. Yours, respectfully, A. W. BARNUM. Vergennes, April, 1829. ------------------------------------- By the report of the Commissioners of the Navy to Congress, on the subject of Hemp, it appears that experiments have been made to ascertain the quality of American water-rotted hemp, compared with Russian hemp. The American hemp, before spun into yarn, was found the strongest, and after made into cordage and tested on board of ships, its strength and durability were ascertained to be fully equal to cordage made of Russian hemp similarly exposed, and if there is any difference between the best American and the best Russian water-rotted hemp when bro't to our market, the Commissioners unhesitatingly say it is in favor of the former. The Commissioners say, they never have entertained a doubt of American water-rotted hemp being equal to Russian hemp. Cordage made of American dew-rotted hemp, after a year's wear, was found inferior to Russia rope, which had been use the same length of time. One reason why American hemp has been esteemed inferior to the Russian arises from the imperfect mode of curing. The gummy or glutinous substance not being sufficiently cleared away, the tar does not penetrate the fibres equally, and by use the cordage is liable to become loose and spongy. But it is confidently believed that hemp, dressed by the Hemp and Flax Machine, and afterwards immersed in water and exposed to the action of frost, will be free from the gluten complained of. Hemp is considered a very hardy plant, resists drought and severe frost, is easier cultivated, less exhausting, and more profitable than many other vegetable crops. It may be grown year after year on the same ground, well manured, and has been cropped from the same ground in England seventy years in succession. The usual quantity of seed sown on an acre of middling land, should be two bushels to the acre, and on very rich ground three bushels. Early sowing renders the coat heavier and stronger, the growth being early shades the soil and preserves the moisture. The seed having been sown as even as possible, should be well harrowed, and a roller or bush passed over to smooth and level the ground, so that the hemp may be cut close to the roots. When sown early it may be cut about the first of August; the time will be indicated by the blossom stalks becoming yellow-spotted, and dropping the leaves; and when the wind is still, a cloud of dust from blossom stalks or make hemp will be seen to hang over the field. If allowed to stand longer, the stalks of the male hemp wither, become dark-colored, and the coat will be of little value. The way to secure seed for the succeeding year, is to sow a patch thinly for that purpose, at the rate of half to three-fourths of a bushel to the acre, but the better way is to sow in drills or rows. Cutting is preferable to pulling; a man will cut from half to an acre per day, but can pull only about hone fourth of an acre; and cut hemp will bring more by the ton than pulled. In gathering the hemp, it should be sorted into long and short. Fine and soft hemp is the best; the American is frequently the reverse, owing to the seed being sowed too sparingly. It is said that the usual mode of water-rotting on Connecticut River is very imperfect. It is found that the crop of hemp varies according to the richness of the soil, a quantity of seed sown, gathering, rotting and dressing. Some estimate an average crop per acre by water-rotting in America at 400 lbs. (others say 500 to 800 lbs.) in England 650 lbs, in Russia 500 lbs. but it is acknowledged that hemp dressed by the improved machines, yields a much larger quantity. ------------------------------------ [Letter from Hon. Henry Clay.] The following letter from Mr. Clay, addressed to a gentleman in the state of New York, who is extensively engaged in growing hemp, will show the importance which is attached to it, by that distinguished individual; Washington December 29th, 1829. DEAR SIR.-- I received a letter the 17th ult. with the two specimens of hemp enclosed, prepared according to the new method. I am greatly obliged by your kind attention to the request of Mr. Slade, and thank you for the valuable information communicated in your letter. The article of hemp is very extensively cultivated in that part of Kentucky in which I reside, and it has been an object of anxious enquiry and experiment, to discover some mode of breaking hemp, that should diminish the severe labor, incident to the old process. Mr. Swider, formerly of your state, a most enterprising and intelligent gentleman, has been engaged six or seven years in Kengtucky, in devising some plan which should accomplish that object. Although his exertions have not been crowned with all the success which they merit, he still perseveres, and hopes ultimately to overcome all obstacles. More than five years ago a machine was erected on my farm, to break out hemp prior to rotting it; it did not yield a quantity of net hemp proportionate to the force which was employed; but I nevertheless was able to have several tons cleaned and prepared. The article produced was very sightly and beautiful.