THE HOP. 



quires an abundance of available food early in the sea- 

 son, it is probable that the application of potash salts 

 and dissolved boneblack or other quick-acting phos- 

 phate would be beneficial. This quick fertilizer should 

 be applied very early in the spring, while bone and 

 wood ashes should be put on in the fall. 



COMPOSITION OF HOP MANURING SUBSTANCES 



The figures show the per cent, or pounds of each element in 100 pounds 

 of the substance named in first column. 



a Contains 48% chlorine, b No chlorine, 

 d Contains much soda, e Traces. 



c Rich in sulphuric acid. 



The hop is a great consumer of lime, yet the ap- 

 plication of lime to hop yards is comparatively rare. 

 We see no reason why it is not advisable, unless the 

 soil is known to contain an excess of lime. This ele- 

 ment is equally important in tobacco culture, where the 

 use of lime is considered indispensable. Probably the 

 best form is oyster-shell lime, provided it can be ob- 

 tained at a nominal price. Otherwise, good air-slaked 

 lime can be used, or the fine ground gypsum (land 

 plaster); from TOO to 300 pounds of lime per acre, ap- 

 plied in the fall, is sufficient, usually. Most soils prob- 

 ably contain sufficient soda, but if not, it is a prominent 

 composition of many potash salts. 



It may be desirable to add magnesia to some soils, 

 in which case the double sulphate of potash and mag- 

 nesia should be used instead of kainit, muriate or sul- 

 phate of potash alone. 



