EXPENSE OF THE POLES. 383 



The average annual expenditure for trimming and re- 

 placing the poles, in addition to the first cost, amounts to 

 from 6 to 7 per acre under crop. Where new poles are 

 purchased, they require but little to be expended for the 

 first year or two. To keep the stock up in good condition, 

 however, will take the sum named, as may be seen in 

 the following statement : 



18 feet poles, 3000 to 4000 to the acre, will require, 



on the average, 400 new poles at 40s. every year, 800 



Value of 400 old poles drawn out, at 12s 280 



Net cost, 5 12 



]6 feet poles, 3000 to 4000 to the acre, will require 500 



new poles, at 34s 8 10 



500 poles (old ones) drawn out, worth 10s 2 10 



Net cost, 600 



14 feet poles, 3000 to 4000 to the acre, will require 600 



new poles, at 28s 880 



600 poles drawn out, worth 8s 280 



Net cost, 600 



12 feet poles, 3000 to 4000 to the acre, will require 1000 



new poles, at 16s 800 



1000 drawn out, worth 4s 200 



Net cost, 600 



To this expenditure for new poles must be added the cost 

 of their carriage and the labour of going over and 

 sharpening the whole stock, cutting down the faulty ones 

 to shorter lengths, &c. ; the smallest being fit only for 

 young plants. 



A hop ground which has been planted with "cuttings" 

 gives no return at all the first year; if "bedded sets" 

 have been used, a small produce 3 to 5 cwts. per acre 

 may, under ordinary circumstances, be obtained. In 

 about three years the bines arrive at their full bearing ; 

 and if the ground be kept well cleaned and tilled, and its 

 condition kept up by regular and liberal manuring, its 

 productiveness may be sustained for a long period of years. 1 



1 In the prize essay alluded to, Mr. Rutley mentions plantations from 100 to 



