. A descriptive catalogue of useful fiber plants of the world, including the structural and economic classifications of fibers. Fibers. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 109 the filaments together. Formerly pool, or water, retting was practiced in a very small way in Kentucky and to a slight extent later in Illinois. The hemp is allowed to remain in stack until Novemher or December, or about two months, when it is spread over the ground until retted. No rule can be given regarding the proper length of time that the hemp should lie, as this varies according to the weather, sudden freezing, followed by tha
. A descriptive catalogue of useful fiber plants of the world, including the structural and economic classifications of fibers. Fibers. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 109 the filaments together. Formerly pool, or water, retting was practiced in a very small way in Kentucky and to a slight extent later in Illinois. The hemp is allowed to remain in stack until Novemher or December, or about two months, when it is spread over the ground until retted. No rule can be given regarding the proper length of time that the hemp should lie, as this varies according to the weather, sudden freezing, followed by thaws, hastening the operation. It is usually allowed to lie until the bast separates readily from the woody portion of the stalk. When there is a large crop there may be an advantage in spreading the hemp earlier than November, in order that the breaking may be done in the winter months. Winter- retted hemp is brighter, however, than that retted in October. It is usually stacked and spread upon the same ground upon which it is grown, and when sufficiently retted, as can be determined by breaking out a little, it is again put into shocks. If the hemp be dry, the shocks should be tied around the top tightly with a band of hemp to keep out the rain. The shocks are made firm by tying with a band the first aimful or two, raising it up and beating it well against the ground. The remainder of the hemp is set up around this central support. By flaring at the bottom, and tying well, a firm shock can be made that will stand firmly without dan- ger of being blown over by the wind. As the best hemp which comes to our market is that grown in Italy, a few words on the Italian practice will not be out of place. Several varie- ties are cultivated in Italy, the soil chosen being a soft, deep, sedi- mentary formation, and this is twice plowed in November, fifteen days intervening between the two plowings. The quan- tity of seed sown varies according to the soil, climate, and variety of hemp, but i
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