CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 213 



friends of the east to state, that the fault of picking their hops too soon, (and 

 this is their only fault,) has been the mistaken advice of the hop inspector, who 

 has branded the ripe hops as seconds, and those which were refuse, from being 

 picked too early, he has branded firsts. I have often, some years since, remon- 

 strated with the inspector on the injustice of his branding the refuse as firsts, 

 and the firsts as seconds. He admitted, in his opinion, the course he was pur- 

 suing was wrong, but some pale ale brewers had advised him to brand the pale 

 hops as firsts, to encourage the picking early. These ill-omened men have done 

 incalculable mischief, and an evil that will take years to repair. There are, 

 and it is to be regretted, but few brewers who are good judges of hops. I have 

 not, however, conversed with an individual, even of my own brethren of the 

 pale ale stamp, who has not admitted the propriety of all I have advised. I 

 must again repeat, that hops too early picked, are the worst refuse we get; 

 they are totally destitute of the only valuable part, the resin or lupulin. The 

 hop is gathered before it is formed, having only a sort of sap; not only the 

 smell, but also every appearance of lupulin is soon dissipated. 



In submitting these brief remarks for the consideration of those interested, 

 it is with a sincere hope that all will unite cordially in endeavouring to place 

 the reputation of hops of America as the best in the world. 

 I am, very respectfully, yours, &c. 



L. FIDLER. 



J. BUEL, Esq. 



There are many other plants cultivated for their bitter prin- 

 ciple, and which are good substitutes for the hop; but they can 

 never be cultivated to a profit on the farm. 



