290 THE SOILS AND CROPS OF THE FARM. 



The first year the land is usually planted with any 

 cultivated crop and the few hops not picked. The 

 second year two poles 15 to 20 feet high are usually 

 placed in each hill, about 15 inches apart. Two vines 

 are trained to each pole and rests are usually re- 



Bbanch of a Pistillate Hop-Vine. 

 {Shown in reduced size.) 



moved. In some cases a modified trellis is used. 

 The land is kept cultivated to remove weeds. Each 

 year the hills are opened and the plants pruned, 

 leaving enough buds for the vines. 



Hops ripen in August and September and are 

 picked when the seeds get hard. The vines are usu- 



