36 



Another farmer in the same town, states that he has found 

 plaister (gypsum) in the hill, of great service to the growth of 

 hops. 



In 1833, two farmers in company, obtained from four acres, 

 three thousand pounds, which were sold for twenty cents per 

 pound. In 1834, from five and one half acres, they obtained 

 four thousand pounds, which sold for fifteen cents per pound. 

 In the first case, they judged that their land after deducting all 

 expenses, yielded a net profit of one hundred dollars per acre. 



Hops are usually planted eight feet apart in the hills. The 

 cuttings are planted, and Indian corn is cultivated among them 

 the first year, the corn being planted about half as thickly as 

 when planted alone. The corn and hops are hoed at the same 

 time. The second year the hops are poled ; and a crop gath- 

 ered. 



Green barn manure is considered injurious to the vines. Fall 

 manure or compost is deemed best. The hills are opened in 

 the spring ; the vines are then trimmed ; the ground loosened 

 and the manure applied to the hill. The field must be kept 

 clear of weeds. The hops are gathered by hand. Women 

 are often employed in the picking at twenty cents per day. 

 The hops require to be kiln-dried immediately, as they are very 

 liable to be injured by being heated in the heap. From forty- 

 five to seventy-five pounds are kiln-dried at a time ; and the 

 process of drying a batch, occupies about twelve hours. After 

 drying, they are put into a heap and suffered to sweat a little, 

 and then packed and bagged, which is done by a screw-press. 

 They are packed and screwed for five dollars per ton in this 

 case, and sent to market without delay. The manner and con- 

 dition in which they are put up is of great importance. If on 

 inspection any are found discolored, the whole bag is condemn- 

 ed. Spruce poles about fifteen feet high are generally used. 



The market for hops is very fluctuating. The risk of cur- 

 ing them is considerable ; and to do it well requires much care 

 and experience. The quality and condition of the article is of 

 the last importance. Damaged or ill-conditioned hops are 

 worthless. 



