174 lines
11 KiB
Plaintext
174 lines
11 KiB
Plaintext
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
[Continued on next posting...]
|
|
|
|
Help Fight Back - Support Your Local NORML Chapter!
|
|
|
|
Northcoast Ohio NORML Chapter
|
|
Contact: John Hartman
|
|
Phone: +[1]-216-521-WEED
|
|
|
|
-!-
|
|
! Origin: Amiga University +[1]-216-637-6647 [Cortland, OH] (1:237/533.0)
|