THE HOP PLANT. 



15 



face of the ground, bent over like hooks. They are of a 

 light green colour frequently shaded with red, which latter 

 colour in some kinds is persistent during the entire period 

 of vegetation, whilst in others it disappears, leaving the bine 

 of a uniform green tint. In section the bine is hexagonal, 

 and it attains a diameter of J to J inch, with a height of 26 

 to 40 feet. Externally it carries six spirally arranged sets 



of climbing hairs or soft thorns, those in the lower part of 

 the stem taking the form of double hooks (Figs. 2 and 3), 

 whilst those placed higher up form single hooks pointing 

 downwards (Fig. 4). This peculiar shape of the hairs pre- 

 vents the slipping of the stem from its support, and thus 

 materially assists the ascent of the bine. 



These uncial appendages, which are found on the under 

 side of the ribs and veins of the leaves as well as on the 

 stems, in association with the additional hairy covering 

 impart a rough feeling to the plant. 



