140 



HOPS. . 



(3) The extent to which the shoots are cut back must 

 hear a definite relation to the vigour of the stock, and 

 harmonise with the state of development of the latter, as 

 well as serving to regulate the normal progress of the 

 plant. Thus excessive luxuriance of growth should be 

 restrained by the cut, whilst weak growths are protected 

 without being overtaxed, and ordinary vigorous growth is 

 afforded opportunity for the full development of its powers 

 of productivity. 



On the basis of these rules the operation of cutting will, 

 as is also evident from the details given below, have to be 



Pig. 40. — Hop knife made from 

 the tip of a scythe. 



Fio. 41. — Wiirtemburg hop 

 knife. 



carried out in different ways, care being taken to observe 

 the following points : — 



The more vigorous the rootstock the stronger the shoots, 

 and the thicker and more numerous the lateral roots and 

 subsidiary shoots ; consequently the greater the number of 

 eyes at the base of the stem, and in proportion as this is 

 the case the deeper must the shoots be cut back, though 

 the basis to go upon is the number of eyes and not the 

 length of stem left in proportion to the strength of the 

 stock. In determining how many buds (eyes) may be 

 allowed to remain, it is necessary to keep in mind both 



