94 



THE HOP. 



planted to some hoed crop. Corn is frequently grown, 

 but is objectionable because of its heavy shade. Beans 

 are better, because they do not shade the plants so 

 much and do not rob the soil. Potatoes are often used 

 also, or lettuce and other small crops are grown under 

 intensive culture. The small marking stakes will do 

 for the young vines to twine about. Clean culture 

 is to be carefully pursued the first year. 

 Weed out the hop rows and place a little 

 fresh dirt around them, but do not work the hoe 

 very deeply about the young plants. Even if the soil 

 is rich, it is wisest not to grow any other crop the first 

 year, and certainly not thereafter, for the plants will 



FIG. 41. FORMS OF HOP KNIVES. 



need all the fertility the soil contains. At least, it must 

 be very liberally manured if a catch crop is raised the 

 first year. 



If the new plantation is to be worked for a crop of 

 hops the first year, its culture is practically the same as 

 the treatment of an old or second-year hop yard after 

 the grubbing out. See Chapter VI for particulars 

 about manuring or fertilizing. 



CULTIVATION DURING THE SECOND TEAR 



In the spring of the second year, dress out the 

 hills with a four-tined fork and work in the manure 

 thoroughly, being sure to cover up the shoots, as both 

 freezing and hot suns will do them considerable harm. 



