Common Hemp

COMMON HEMP

The so-called common hemp is the hemp proper and is derived from the bast of Cannabis sativa, a shrub growing from 6 feet to 15 feet in height. Though originally a native of India and Persia, it is now cultivated in nearly all the temperate and tropical countries or the world. It is an annual plant, with a straight stalk, and elongated, highly dentated leaves. The leaves have a narcotic odour and occur in bunches of three, five or seven. Russia produces an enormous quantity, Poland also is a large producer, both these are of a lower quality than others. French hemp is much superior in quality to that from either Russia or Poland, being fine, white and lustrous. Italian hemp is also of a very high grade. Indian hemp is grown not so much for its fibre as for its narcotic properties. Japanese hemp is of excellent quality, and appears in trade in the form of very thin ribbons, smooth and glossy, of a light straw colour, and the frayed ends showing a fibre of exceeding fineness. Hemp is the oldest textile that has been used in Japan. Hemp fibre is obtained from the plant by a process of retting, similar to that used for flax. Dew retting is chiefly employed, that is, the stalks are spread out in the fields until the action of the elements causes the woody tissue and gums enclosing the fibres to decompose. It is said that 100 parts of raw hemp produce 25 parts of raw fibre or filasse; and loo parts of the latter yields 65 parts of combed filasse and 32 parts of tow. The commercial fibre is pearly-grey, yellowish or greenish to brown in colour, and from 40-in. to 80-in. long. It is not as fine as linen, though its tensile strength is appreciably greater. The best qualities of hemp are very light in colour and possess a high lustre almost equal to linen. Hemp is principally used for twines and cordage, for which its great strength eminently adapts it, and also because it is very durable and does not rot in water. The better qualities of hemp are also used for " linen " crash, homespuns, carpets and as warp in making carpets and mgs.