The genera _Apocynum_ is represented by both the species indigenous to
the territory surveyed, but as Indian hemp is one of them, it was
rather surprising how infrequently they were encountered. Only ten
examples of its use were found.
This plant (_Apocynum androsaemifolium_, L.) which is called dog-bane
is so similar in appearance and properties that it might well have
been and was used indiscriminately with Indian hemp (_Apocynum
cannabinum_, L.). The species was found three times in material
examined. Its use by the Nanticoke in the manufacture of fish nets is
demonstrated by a net (50.2-600) in the American Museum. A burden
strap (50-7221) made from this fiber by the Iroquois is also in the
Museum collections.
_Apocynum cannabinum_ L., the so-called Indian hemp, was found seven
times and of these is represented four times in the archaeological
cave and rock-shelter materials examined. The Museum of the American
Indian, Heye Foundation, has a bundle of prepared fibers (11-7384)
found at Allards Bluff, Arkansas. A dark colored piece of fabric,
attributed to the Hopewell culture of Ohio, made in part from this
material (957) is in the collections of the Ohio State Historical and
Archaeological Museum. Another piece of cloth (1200) in the same
museum is an Adena culture example of the use of this fiber. The
Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, has a Sauk and Fox bag
(2-4694) made from this fiber. In the American Museum a fish net
(50.2-601) made by the Nanticoke and an Iroquois burden strap
(50-7401) complete the catalogue of objects in which this fiber
occurs. In many of the older specimens examined, the fiber was crudely
prepared before twisting, but in the more recent Indian material it is
well broken down and fine, so as to make small counts and even threads
or cords.