The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-06
To The Editor of the Union:

Your paper of the 22d ultimo contains a report
from Mr. l.. Sanders TO Commodore Morris, dated
Louisville, June 9th, upon the important subject Of
preparing hemp for naval and other purposes. II is
proper notice that the process Of rottng hemp by
water dew, is necessarily resorted to the best
process by which to remove the gummy matter that
covers the bres in its growing state; and II has been
ascertaned by experience, that if hemp be manu-
featured into ropes and cables, and this gum allow
ed to remain upon them, they undergo what is cali
ed the "dry rot," and become wholly useless IN a
few months; and even grease and tar do not arrest
the composition--proving, beyond the possibility
of doubt that the whole secret in manufacturing
hemp for such and other purposes, depends upon this
simple fact,-that OF removing the gum withoutmjury
to the fibre Other modes have been adopted TO
accomplish this object, but with the like success;
amongst which is given an instance OF parcel OF
"Rhodan hemp" (anew article, which was broken
and cleaned without being rotted either by water
dew which then put into close alright room,
and heated by steam until sufficiently cured.
Mr.. Anderson, the inventor of this process, is OF
opinion that il will answer all the purposes of
"water-rotted hemp" The following experiments
made by me, by order of the Navy Department,
in Washington city, about two years ago, with a
view to supersede the water-rotung system, prove
that this mode Of preparing hemp will not free it
from the gum. Stalks of hemp, perfectly dried in
the shade were submitted to the brake swinged, and
hacked. The product handsome, strong, and
siIk-like but the gummy matter could not, by any
means, be removed. II being suggested that steam
was the agent effect its removal it according
ly submitted TO the action of steam at 2l2o Fab
renheit, for a considerable length of time and the
gum disappeared; but, upon minute examine
uon, It was found that, instead of being removed il
had melted, and united with the fbres of the hemp,
which made 1t harsh, and greatly diminished its
hexibllity, though the strength seemed unmpaired.
This same sample of hemp was then immersed
some time in water; it then began to ferment, and
"A. l.
ment being so nearly or exactly that of Mr..
AS, it cannot be but that the result will be
the same. Therefore, it may be concluded (as
the gum is the destroying agen) that hemp,
manufactured by this or any other process that
does not free it entirely from this action, deserves
not TO be recommended for the uses of the navy.
Other experiments were made, amongst which
the result of one answered fully the expectations
of che experimenter. This by taking stalks per-
fectly dried in the shade, and fastening them to u
revolving cylindrical frame, and put into steam
tight chamber-the frame being turned by means of
a crank outside of the chamber. A solution Of
chlorine such as is commonly used in bleaching, was
put into the chamber, and current of steam also
admitted After short time the gum is dissolved;
by slowly turning the crank, the hemp is passed
through the hot fluid; the dissolved gum washed
off; the hemp frame then is taken from the chamber;
the hemp then is dried, broken, and hacked; is
perfectly free from gum. The vegetable color dis
appears; and by exposing it to the rays Of the sun,
the bleaching becomes perfect. 1t is to be regretted
that these experiments have not been made upon
large scale, when the acquisitions of the navy and
commerce are SO great as to bring such large guam
titles into 1t certainly is matter well worthy
the attention Of the Secretary of the Navy, when
the safety Of so many valuable lives, both of
officers and men, depends upon the quality condi-
ton of hemp, out of which the rigging is formed,
well as the rapid decomposition that takes place
where it is not properly treated. would recon-
mend to the cultivators of this staple, to read a
pamphlet upon this subject, translated from the Rus
sian, shy order of Congress-" which contains many
useful observations connected with hemp-growng,
rope-making, weaving &c.
Feeling deep interest in this important branch
of husbandry it gives me great pleasure $50 far as
my limited experience and ability will permt) to
contribute to the encouragement of the culture and
manufacture of this great staple, by publishing a
treatise upon it, calculated to be complete guide
touching the old mode of treating it in all its branch
es, with the newest improvement, illustrated by nu-
merous engravings, comprising also the most useful
and labor-saving machines, accompanied with many
useful remarks and SUGGESTIONS and an appendix
upon the rearing and management Of sheep, the best
method Of improving the breed and wool, both il
quantity and quality; the object of which is to ben
eft the industrious and enterprising farmer.
PETER Won SCHMIDT,
Civil Engineer.