SPECIAL CROPS. 233 



grubbed. Hoe tlie dirt from the hill without injuring the 

 crown of the root. "With a knife cut off all the old vines 

 smooth, and any runners that are seen. Never tear them off 

 nor cut them with the hoe. At the same time examine whether 

 there are any grubs in the hill, and kill all found. 



" There are two kinds ^f grub, both which must be killed 

 wherever found. Tie the vines as often as any stray from the 

 poles, with soft yarn, but it should not be done on a cold da}', 

 or in the morning, as then they will break. 



" AVhen the smallest vines have got a good start, three feet or 

 more, select four vines, and bury the refuse vines at the foot of 

 the stake with 1?wo inches of dirt, and never pull or cut them 

 off, as is usually done. In a few days the leaves will rot, mak- 

 ing manure, and the vines will make cheaper food for the grubs 

 than those running up the stake. These vines throw out small 

 roots, and help make the crop for the year, besides they are the 

 best kind of 'sets' for a new yard next year. Mix air-slacked 

 lime and unleached ashes, and put on about a pint to each hill." 

 [Prize essay of H. 0. Collins.) 



When the vines get above the top of the stakes train them 

 out on the twines, one in each direction, and keep them going 

 as long, as fast, and as far as they will. 



After the frosts have destroyed the vines, cut them off close 

 to the ground and throw two or three shovels full of compost 

 on the hill. Where the vines are trained on high poles the 

 vines must be cut down right in the growing season, in order to 

 pick the hops, but by the horizontal system of training the crop 

 can be reached from the ground. 



Picking begins as soon as the earliest seeds ripen. The crop is 

 not in as good condition as it would be if it could have a little 

 more time, but it is better to pick it two days too soon, than one 

 day too late. When ri}>e, the seeds become hard, and are 



