HOP CULTURE IN INDIA. 121 



In the province of Otago hops grow very freely, and 

 produce an abundant crop; whilst the steadily increasing 

 demand and the prices ruling are great inducements to 

 holders of land in favourable localities to grow shelter to 

 protect the vine from the gusts of wind which prevail during 

 summer. It will take some years to produce a supply suffi- 

 cient for the provincial trade ; meanwhile the introduction 

 of a few hands acquainted with the growing, handling, and 

 drying of this valuable plant would be advisable. 



The brewing of this province is in high repute, and 

 although at present of large dimensions, it is not sufficient 

 for the home trade and exportation. Dunedin is the prin- 

 cipal centre of this business, six extensive establishments 

 being in full work, and an additional one in course of 

 erection. The estimate of the aggregate production is over 

 1500 hogsheads per month.* 



There are two patches of hops cultivated in Taranaki, of a 

 few acres in extent ; one in its fourth and the other in its 

 third year of plantation. These thrive well, and yield good 

 returns. The soil and climate seem to suit the hop admir- 

 ably, and growing them on a large scale would prove a 

 lucrative speculation. 



CULTIVATION IN INDIA. 



The Indian Government having resolved to seek tenders 

 for a supply of country beer to the krge military canton- 

 ments of Upper India, it becomes a question of urgent 

 importance as to how far it is possible to naturalize the hop 

 plant on the slopes and in the valleys of the Himalayas. 



* Official Handbook of New Zealand/ 



