THE HOP. i:,5 



from right to left. The leaves are placed opposite each 

 other on the stem, on long, winding footstalks ; the smaller 

 ones are heart-shaped ; the larger ones three or five lobed, 

 veiny, and rough. The barren and fertile flowers are pro- 

 duced on separate plants ; the former being very numerous 

 and paniculated, the latter in the form of an ament, or col- 

 lection of small scales, which are more or less covered with 

 a fine, yellow powder called " lupulin." 



While several distinct sorts of the fertile or hop-bearing 

 plant have been long in cultivation, only one variety of the 

 male or barren plant is known. 



Soil and Location. Though it may be cultivated with 

 success in a variety of soils, the Hop prefers a rich, deep 

 loam, which should be thoroughly ploughed, and, if neces- 

 sary, enriched with well-digested compost. In general, it 

 may be said that " good corn-land is good hop-land." Hops, 

 however, are reputed to be of better quality when raised on 

 comparatively thin soils. 



Propagation and Culture. It is propagated by a division 

 of the roots early in spring. When extensively cultivated, 

 the plants are set in hills, five to seven feet apart, and three 

 or four cuttings or slips allowed to a hill ; but in garden 

 culture, to procure the young shoots, the plants are set in 

 rows about three feet apart, and one foot from plant to plant 

 in the rows. 



Use. The plant is principally cultivated for its flowers, 

 which are largely employed in the manufacture of malt 

 liquors. The young shoots are cut in spring, when they are 

 five or six inches in height, and eaten as salad, or used as 

 asparagus, which they somewhat resemble in taste. 



