134 HOPS. 



HOPS. 



The following very good directions for cultivating 

 hops, are taken from the Farmer^s Assistant : 



This plant requires a rich mellow soil, well prepared 

 by digging or deep ploughing. Bog meadows are good 

 for raising it, when properly drained. 



The plants are raised in hills, six or seven feet apart, 

 where the soil is not very rich, and at a greater distance, 

 when richer. When the plants begin to shoot, take cut- 

 tings from branches which grow from the main root : If 

 of the last year's growth, the better ; and these are 

 known by their white appearance. Let each have three 

 or four buds ; bury them lightly in the hills, with the 

 buds uppermost ; allow two or three sets to a.pole, and 

 three poles to a hill. For making the hills, dig round 

 holes three feet in diameter, a loot in depth, and deeper 

 if the soil will admit it ; iill up these with the earth 

 thrown out, well mixed with old compost, if the soil be 

 not already very rich. 



The first year, the hills are not to be polled ; but the 

 ground in this, as in succeeding years, is to be kept 

 mellow and free from v/eeds, by ploughings and hoeings. 

 As the vines rise this year, let them be slightly twisted 

 together, on each hill, and let the hills be raised a little 

 by hoeing in some earth round the vines. 



Early in the spring, the second year, and always after 

 this, the hills are to be' opened, and the sprouts or suck- 

 ers cut ofi' within an inch of the old root ; but that must 

 be left entire, as well as those shoots which inclined 

 downwards to form new roots. Some manures should 

 occasionally be applied. Poles ten feet long are suffi- 

 cient for the iir.^t 3'ear ; after that they arc to be fifteen, 

 eighteen, or twenty feet long, according to the strength 

 of the ground. Each pole should have three vines ; and 

 all the others should be broken off" in the spring. As 

 soon as their color is changed, and they emit a fragrant 

 smell, they are to be gathered. When the poles are 

 drawn, cut the vines three or four feet from the ground. 

 The best way to dry them is on kilns, with a moderate 

 heat ; for if it turn the hop brow n it will be injured. Let 

 them lie about six inches thick, and be frequently turn- 

 ed. When the seeds crackle a little they are sufficiently 

 dried. Or they may be dried in the sun. or on floors 



