110 HOP CULTURE IN AUSTRALASIA. 



about five acres is in orchard and garden, and a large portion 

 of the remainder planted with hops of different ages. The 

 ground is quite flat, and therefore well adapted for irrigation. 

 Eows of poplars and willows have been planted around for 

 shelter, as the winds from the mountains are occasionally 

 very violent. Several acres of ground have been reclaimed 

 from the river, and, like the rest of the soil, proves of ex- 

 cellent quality, as shown by the weeds upon portions not yet 

 planted, which are of immense size. In consequence of the 

 saltness of the water, it is found necessary to let the reclaimed 

 land lie fallow for a year, until a portion of the salt is washed 

 out of it ; some of the willows that were planted as break- 

 winds having failed from the excess of salt in the soil. The 

 varieties of hops grown are Goldings and Grapes. They are 

 planted 6 to 8 feet apart, one male to fifty females, though 

 occasionally a bi-sexual plant (producing both male and 

 female blossoms) is to be seen. They arrive at maturity the 

 third year after planting. Three poles are placed to each 

 hill, their cost being 14s. per 100 ; 100,000 are on the 

 ground, and, as they rarely last longer than three years, form 

 a very heavy item of expenditure. Creosote has been hitherto 

 used for preserving the ends of the poles, but it is found to be 

 too expensive ; and probably the ordinary plan of dipping in 

 boiling coal-tar will in future be followed. A small portion 

 has been poled on Coley's principle, which has given entire 

 satisfaction, and though much more expensive in the be- 

 ginning, costing 60Z. per acre, is likely to prove economical 

 in the long run. Mr. Wright has simplified the plan by 

 making notches in the tops of the upright poles, instead of 

 lashing two pieces of wire to each to receive the tops of the 



