HOP CULTURE IN AUSTRALASIA. 115 



but it is possible some may also be deposited in the bark 

 of the hop poles, or even in the ground, where the animals 

 themselves are found in great numbers. The presence of the 

 pest is attempted to be accounted for in two ways. Some 

 think the hop itself, from exposure to high winds, from scant 

 supply of water or manure, or from other causes, first be- 

 comes- sickly, aiM thus favours or provokes the development 

 of the spider. Others think the fault is not in the plant in 

 the first instance; but that under some peculiar and un- 

 known influence, whether atmospheric or telluric, or by con- 

 sent of both, vast developments of animal life take place at 

 certain periods, in a manner not yet accounted for. As to 

 remedial measures, every suitable hygienic application should 

 be adopted, and due shelter from winds afforded. If the 

 ground is found to be exhausted of any necessary chemical 

 element, this should be restored, and proper quantities of 

 manure and water furnished. From the numbers of the 

 insects found in the bark, it is evident the poles should be 

 carefully deprived of their bark, and it would probably 

 be advisable to soak them in tar before setting them up. 



VICTORIA. In the second Progress Eeport of a Eoyal 

 Commission appointed in Victoria to inquire how far it might 

 be practicable to introduce into that colony branches of 

 industry known to be common and profitable among the 

 farming population of continental Europe, published in 

 1872, I find the following passage on this subject : 



" Although hop growing may be neither a novel nor a 

 foreign industry, it has been considered by us as one of great 

 importance, and has commanded our attention. The first 

 planters of hops in this colony were not acquainted with the 



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