156 HOPS. 



backs of the autumn system of cutting, according to which 

 the latter greatly preponderate. Nevertheless, subsequent 

 researches and experience in the subject form a basis for the 

 definite assumption that the system has by no means 

 received the attention it fully merits. Tlmt, in many places 

 vphere the factors necessary to success are non-existent, the 

 method had yielded unsatisfactory results is no criterion of 

 its value. Just as little is the system to be regarded as one 

 suitable for universal application, for it should rather be 

 looked upon as a fit, and often very valuable, means of 

 affording assistance in hop cultivation under conditions 

 otherwise not exactly normal ; and in this character autumn 

 cutting deserves to be fully appreciated. 



A closer examination of the aforesaid relative ad- 

 vantages and drawbacks of the system will show that 

 no great benefit is derived from the advantages claimed in 

 respect of earlier and more vigorous development of the 

 plant, and earlier flowering and ripening ; and the conse- 

 quences claimed to ensue therefrom, viz., prolonging the 

 life of the garden, higher yield, protection against vermin, 

 are neither to be regarded as always correct, nor as the 

 true purpose in view — in fact, they probably cannot be 

 properly considered as resulting from autumn cutting at 

 all. The same, however, equally applies to the alleged 

 drawbacks. It is self-evident that hop stocks are more 

 liable to injury by wet when they have been cut than if 

 left intact, and in fact may be killed outright ; but, as in 

 such event the injury is due to the wet and not to the act 

 of cutting, the blame cannot be ascribed directly to the 

 latter. It may be observed that land whereon hop stocks 

 are rotted before spring by excessive wet, after autumn 

 cutting, is not suitable for hop cultivation at all, since, 

 under such unfavourable conditions, the uncut stocks would 

 be especially liable to damage from the same cause. Prob- 



