152 HOPS. 



so well as if they had to do the cutting themselves, and 

 consequently the work of the cutters is rendered more 

 difficult to perform with accuracy and precision. Care must 

 also be taken to gather up all cuttings, even the smallest 

 portions, into the baskets provided for that purpose, and 

 convey them outside the hop garden, especially when the 

 latter is in a damp situation ; since any cuttings dropped 

 in between the rows will strike and grow. It is therefore 

 useful to appoint one or two boys for carrying the baskets 

 away when filled. 



Finally, it is in many places advisable not to let the 

 cutters cover up the cut stocks, since not only is their task 

 thereby lightened, but the supervision of the work of cutting 

 is also rendered easier by the stocks being left uncovered 

 for a while. It is better to set another lot of men on to 

 cover up the stocks with compost, etc., in such a manner 

 that several of the newly-cut stocks in each row are left 

 bare for inspection. No damage at all need be feared from 

 withering during the very short time that elapses between 

 cutting and covering. After the latter operation is con- 

 cluded, a small hillock of earth indicates the position of 

 each stock. The depth of soil over the stocks should not 

 exceed 4 to 6 inches, and is preferably less, particularly in 

 compact soils ; the depth should, moreover, be uniform 

 throughout the garden, since otherwise the shoots will come 

 up irregularly. Where gaps exist they should now be filled 

 up by digging suitable holes, about 12 inches deep and 

 across, and planting fresh sets after filling the holes with 

 fresh top soil or compost, care being taken to preserve the 

 proper alignment of the rows, and the distance between 

 stocks. 



