330 HOPS. 



2. The establishment of experimental gardens directed by- 

 skilled hands and devoted to all questions affecting the hop 

 industry, such as : the still obscure subject of hop manuring ;; 

 testing the qualitative and quantitative cropping powers and 

 faculty of resisting disease possessed by the different varieties 

 of hops ; and the influence of different methods of training on 

 the productivity and general well-being of the plants. Also 

 the study of the influence of cutting and various methods- 

 Oi tillage, and the means of combating insect and vegetable 

 pests. These gardens should be in touch with experimental 

 stations investigating the chemistry of the hop and its action 

 in brewing. Many so-called experimental gardens at present 

 fulfil their purpose in only a very imperfect manner. 



3. Careful picking, sorting and especially drying of the 

 crop, the last-named operation frequently deciding the 

 appearance and saleability of the produce. Artificial drying 

 (kilning) should be more generally practised, as it is quicker 

 and better preserves the colour of the goods. Preference 

 should naturally be given to kilns that are efficient without, 

 being too costly, and the heating and ventilation of which 

 are well under control. 



4. Eeducing the cost of production, partly by introducing 

 cheaper methods of training, partly by using team work 

 in tillage wherever possible. 



5. The raising of the intellectual status of the industry by 

 means of literary efficiency, travelling lecturers and meet- 

 ings. In Bohemia the question of starting a hop college 

 and garden has been broached, the time devoted to hop 

 cultivation in most agricultural colleges being too small. 



6. An important factor consists in holding hop shows,, 

 to afford an opportunity of getting acquainted with the 

 produce of various districts, and also to bring before the 

 notice of growers all the latest novelties in machinery,, 

 implements and appliances relating to hops and their 



