302 HOPS. 



In Prussia the hop district of Neutomischl, in Posen, is 

 a very old centre of this industry. About 0'02 per cent, 

 of the total arable land is under hops, and the quality is 

 generally classed as medium. 



England. — The hop industry is at present on the decline. 



The area under hops, therefore, decreased by 20,464 acres 

 between 1885 and 1897. Owing to the enormous consump- 

 tion (619,184 cwt. in 1897), English growers are unable to 

 meet the demand, and supplies are imported from Germany, 

 America and Belgium. Austrian hops are feebly represented 

 in the English market. 



The chief growing centre is Kent, more ground being 

 under hops there than in all the other hop counties 

 together. 



Acreage under 

 County. Hops In 1897. 



Berks — 



Gloucester 40 



Hants 2,306 



Hereford - 6,542 



Kent 81,661 



Monmouth 2 



Salop 129 



Suffolk 2 



Surrey 1,416 



Sussex 5,174 



Worcester 3,591 



Total 50,868 



The best English hops are the East Kent Goldings, but, 

 with few exceptions, the other varieties grown are of only 

 medium quality according to Continental ideas. 



Austria. — In point of quantity Austria is third on the list 

 of European hop-producing countries ; but in the quality of 



