372 THE HOP CROP. 



force of the winds. If the poles are at all irregular in 

 shape, they are placed so that any curve at the lower part 

 should bend inwards, and at the upper part outwards, 

 thus keeping the heads of the bines as separate and open 

 as possible. The judgment of the planter is called into 

 play in the selection of proper poles. Under and over 

 poling are alike to be avoided. If the poles be too long, 

 the bines have a tendency to run and become weak and un- 

 productive; if too short, the bines fall over, get crowded on 

 the pole, and the fruit only forms in an imperfect manner. 

 As soon as the "poling" is completed, the ground should 

 be well stirred between the hills. This is done either by 

 digging, by the plough, or by the peculiar form of cultiva- 

 tor the "nidget," as it is locally termed and great care 

 is taken during the whole season to keep the ground clear 

 of weeds. About the beginning of May, or a little earlier 

 in a new ground, the bines are ready for tying to the 

 poles, which should not be delayed after they are long 

 enough to admit of it, as they are sure to suffer injury by 

 twisting and intertwining if left lying on the ground, 

 especially if the season be moist. The tying should be 

 commenced as soon as one bine is ready, the ground being 

 gone over until it is finished and every bine properly 

 secured. This is done usually by women, care being 

 taken that the bines be tied just below the second joint; 

 if it be nearer to the head, the hop frequently bends over, 

 instead of running round the pole. Not more than three 

 bines should be allowed to each pole ; all above that number 

 should be pulled up at once, and removed from the stock. 

 The purchase of the poles forms a separate and large item. 

 The annual expense for sharpening and setting them is from 

 Is. to Is. Qd. per 100 hills of three each, according to the 

 length of the poles and the nature of the ground, a small 

 extra sum (from Id. to 3d. per 100) being paid in some 

 cases for carrying the poles to the ground. As careful work 



