Hemp

an annual herbaceous plant; It is a native of Western and Centra} Asia, but long naturalized in other countries, The Indian variety is the source of the narcotic drug variously known as hashish, bhang, or gunjah, The hemp fiber is tough and strong, and peculiarly adapted for weaving into coarse fabrics such as sail-cloth, and for twisting into ropes and cables, Immense quantities are exported from Ru ia. In some of the United States it is a crop of considerable importance, Hempseed is much used as food for cage-birds, and also yields an oil. Sisal hemp or (henequen) and Manilla hemp are not true hemps. The United States imports $500,000 worth of hemp yearly from Italy and Ru ia, The best comes from Italy. In favorable soils from 1,700 to 2,000 pounds an acre are produced.