90 THE HOP. 



tain the earth in a proper state of humidity for the ger- 

 mination of the seeds and for the development of young 

 plants. When sown broadcast, the seed must be cov- 

 ered up with a rake and operated upon as if sown in 

 rows. The seeds germinate in six weeks and the 

 plants are ready for use the following month. They 

 should then be put out, but will yield no crop until the 

 following year. 



Hop roots for planting are usually cut from old 

 stocks or runners. From such cuttings fully 99 per 

 cent, of the yards are planted. The hop roots should 

 be cut into pieces from four to five inches long, with 

 two sets of eyes on them (that is, two joints), one for 

 the roots, the other for the vines. It is more accurate 

 to say that the lower roots grow from the extreme 



FIG. 38. HOP VINE STOCK FOE TRANSPLANTING. 



lower ends, or from little pimples on the side. Great 

 care should be taken to have the sets of strong consti- 

 tution, in prime condition, and absolutely true to name. 

 Before being planted, the sets should have their roots 

 properly trimmed and dead growth removed. They 

 are dug out a few days prior to planting, so as to get 

 a trifle dry, to prevent them from bleeding to death 

 when planted. Of course, they must not get dry 

 enough to destroy the life in them, and it is also im- 

 portant that they be whole and good. In California's 

 dry climate, the roots are set out as soon as ready, or 

 "heeled in," to prevent drying. If fresh-cut sets are 

 planted, sifting plaster (gypsum) over them is often 

 done. 



