76 HOPS. 



the influence of soil and methods of cultivation have been 

 left out of the question, both of which factors are undoubtedly 

 able, to a certain extent, to compensate for somewhat un- 

 favourable climatic conditions. 



However, since hops, when properly cultivated, will thrive 

 on almost any soil, provided the climate is suitable — i.e., the 

 requirements of the plant are less exacting in respect of 

 soil than of climate — it is evident that when the cultivation of 

 hops in a given district is in contemplation attention must 

 be principally devoted to the state of the climate there. In 

 the absence of knowledge upon this point, direct experiment 

 is the only course open in order to find out whether the 

 district is suitable or not. 



Soil. 



Given a parity of climatic conditions, the situation of the 

 hop garden and the chemical and physical nature of the soil 

 exercise an important influence on the well-being and quality 

 of the produce. As in the cage of all other agricultural 

 plants, the alluvial soils are the first to be considered ; and 

 the natural occurrence of wild hops on the banks of brooks 

 and rivers indicates the greater suitability of alluvial land for 

 the hop. 



Being a deep-rooted plant the hop requires deep soil, 

 the bulk of the roots being developed, uncler normal con- 

 ditions, at a depth of 20 to 30 inches below the surface. 

 Hence, fields possessing the above-named depth of soil are 

 primarily adapted for the growth of the hop. 



Shallow ground has to be subjected to a costly process 

 of improvement before it is fit for the purpose. As the hop 

 derives its nourishment from the deeper strata of the soil, the 

 nature of the upper layers of mould is of less importance than 

 for the growth of most other crops. A good hop soil must 

 be rich and open for a considerable depth ; otherwise the 



