Ä Area: FidoNet - Marijuana Chat ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ Msg#: 1690 Date: 06-09-93 22:25 From: Northcoast OH NORML Read: Yes Replied: No To: All Mark: Subj: Fairbanks Comp. #6 ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ [...continued from previous posting] 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. One ton was manufactured into rigging for the North-Carolina 74, prior to her late voyage to the Mediterranean. Upon her return her rigging looked well in its external appearance, but on subjecting it to an analysis, it was discovered that the interior part of the cordage was in a state of decay, resembling the rot in the wood. I considered that experiment as decisive against the use of the article when not submitted to the action of water, as that had not been; but I cannot perceive any reason why the hemp should not be as good when it is rotted after separating the lint from the stalk, as if both were rotted together. The new method therefore which is practised in your neighborhood must answer all the purposes of the old, whilst it has the strong recommendation, of essentially diminishing labor. Mr. Smider has prepared hemp in the same way, but I am not informed as to the degree of success he has had. Upon my return to Kentucky in the spring, I mean to make the preparation of hemp an object of particular enquiry and attention; and if I should obtain any information worth communicating to you, I will take pleasure in transmitting it in compliance with your request. I should be glad to be made acquainted with the price of the machine constructed under the patent of Messrs. Hines & Bain, and what I could get one delivered at upon my farm near Lexington, to be paid for on the delivery, & after it was ascertained upon experiment that it would answer its intended purpose. I am with great respect, your ob't serv't. ADONIJAH EMMONS, ESQ. H.CLAY. 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