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.