130 HOPS. 



addition to wasting large quantities of nutrient material by 

 overflowing — though this is inerely partial — leave putrescent 

 hollows and constrain the stock to develop abnormally, 

 besides causing prejudicial obstructions to the flow of the 

 sap, the result of which is to increase the tendency of the 

 stock to put forth superfluous shoots — just as in the case pf 

 the willow, which by frequent lopping at the base of the 

 shoots acquires an increased capacity for throwing out new 

 ones. In the willow this is advantageous and is designedly 

 done ; but in the hop plant the formation and removal of 

 more shoots than are absolutely requisite leads to the plant 

 being weakened. 



2. Cutting shortens the life of the plant owing to its 

 enfeebling effect. Moreover, Nature practically fulfils the 

 task of cutting by allowing the aerial portions of the hop — 

 in common with other perennial plants — to die down. 

 Cutting increases the girth of the rootstock, which mostly 

 becomes sickly through the putrescent hollows formed, the 

 consequence being a partial curtailment of growth and a 

 constant hunger for manure. It is therefore (he says) beyond 

 doubt that cutting and certain other outrages occasioned by 

 the unnatural treatment to which the plant is exposed con- 

 tribute to the rapid decline of the cropping power. 



3. Again, cutting delays the sprouting of the shoots and 

 retards the gathering time by 10 to 14 days, usually to the 

 grower's disadvantage. Contrary to general belief an early 

 natural development does not injure the plant at all, since 

 the dreaded spring frosts do no damage unless the garden is 

 in a very unfavourable situation, the plant being not easily 

 frost-bitten, and, moreover, possessing in time of need a 

 reproductive power surpassed by very few other plants. 

 Consequently there is no need for anxiety in this respect. 

 " My own hop garden (he says), which is on the border of 

 a narrow grassy valley, has satisfactorily withstood the 



