THE HOP TRADE. 315 



this way the dependence of the consumer on the merchant 

 is estabhshed. 



On the other hand, it frequently happens that the hop- 

 grower has to make use of the merchant's credit by getting 

 an advance from the latter on his crop, or by selling the 

 produce before it is harvested ; and thus in either case a 

 condition of dependence is established, the grower — as the 

 weaker — being generally the sufferer. Thus, if prices rise 

 during the season after a crop has been sold in advance, 

 the dealer will rarely consent to give the seller any share 

 in this improvement, whilst if prices fall and the grower 

 has the advantage, the dealer will not give way, and 

 eventually may demand the return of his advance, until 

 finally the farmer is obliged to comply with his terms. 



Another reprehensible method of dealing is that wherein 

 the dealer treats with a certain section of his clients 

 (growers) at a definite price, but gives a sort of additional 

 premium either on every packet or in proportion to the 

 total purchase. This plan damages the interests of the 

 other growers, in so far as they are led to believe that the 

 apparent price is the real market quotation — nothing being 

 said about the premium — whereas really the two together 

 make the real selling price. Even if any grower really 

 earns an extra premium by bestowing special care on the 

 curing of the hops — and this is the reason usually alleged 

 for the practice — there need be no secrecy, as no one 

 could begrudge him the higher value merited by his wares.. 

 Openness and veracity on the buyers' part will always 

 bear better fruit than such unjustifiable dealing, which 

 always gives rise to suspicion. 



It is justly alleged against certain dealers that they 

 falsify the origin of their hops. Every one who knows 

 anything at all of the hop trade is aware of the important, 

 part played by the origin of the parcels offered for sale. 



