CULTIVATION. 157 



ably it would be nearer the truth to say that, where 

 rotting of the stocks is found to ensue after autumn cut- 

 ting, the real reason is to be sought in bad management 

 rather than in the cutting ^er se ; or in the prevalence 

 of wet — most probably owing to the stocks having been 

 covered up so deep that they must perish, in any case, 

 through the exclusion of air. As already stated, the stock 

 remains alive throughout the winter, and for the main- 

 tenance of this vitality air is indispensable ; and in the 

 case of uncut stocks the necessary circulation is maintained 

 by the tubular sterns,^ which project above the surface of 

 the ground. When the stocks are wet some substitute for 

 these tubes must be provided, an object accomplished (or 

 that should be accomplished) by employing friable, light, 

 humous, and therefore porous, compost for covering the 

 stocks — or, in the worst cases, light, sandy, and porous soil 

 may be used. Under these conditions rotting of the stocks 

 after autumn cutting will hardly occur — at least that is the 

 conclusion drawn from observation of stocks constantly 

 treated in this manner for twelve years without a single 

 case of injury. 



Another objection raised against autumn cutting is that 

 early development necessitates favourable spring weather. 

 This, however, applies solely to late spring frosts, the 

 above quoted experience having demonstrated that autumn 

 cut hops are not more liable than others to suffer from 

 the attacks of vermin, honey dew, smut, or the influence 

 of extreme changes of temperature ; both spring cut and 

 autumn cut hopes being equally affected at one time or 



^ A striking example is afforded by perennial water plants, the rootstocks 

 of which are in deep water, and which nevertheless are able to live through 

 the winter under an air-tight sheet of ice. In this case the tubular stems, 

 which are either hollow or filled with highly porous cellular texture, and 

 project above the water, must be regarded as important ventilators for the 

 circulation of air. 



