132 
HOPS. 
some of those points which are particularly calculated 
to assist the crops of hops alone, in favour of a pro¬ 
duce, the value and consumption of which are con* 
stantly increasing. 
The circumstance of those hops which are most 
in request, ripening all at nearly one time, is a consi¬ 
derable inconvenience, both to the owner and holder of 
the estate: as they damage so scon, whether left on 
the wares when ripe, or gathered, if not dried imme¬ 
diately, it is necessary to have buildings, and a number 
of kilns, in proportion to the size of the plantations, 
and more hands during the season, than would be 
otherwise wanting. Could those sorts which ripen 
earlier or later, be improved, or any others introduced, 
that do so, it would be a considerable acquisition. 
The parts necessary to perfect the seeds, are found on 
different plants, and as the greatest stress is laid on 
these, it may be proper to notice, that the practice of 
removing the barren stocks, may be carried too far: 
it is an inquiry well worth attending to, whether this 
may not he the cause, in some instances, of the early 
decay on some grounds. 
The following observations of Dr. Withering (Bot. 
Arang.) on the honey-dew, deserve to be introduced 
to the notice of the planters.— {£ If the hop-yards 
<c were covered with stones, the plants would he less 
li liable to suffer from the honey-dew, or from the 
“ otter-moth; for the honey-dew is the excrement of 
a species of louse (aphis) ; hut these insects seldom 
“ increase so as to endanger the plant, unless it is in a 
“ weak condition ; and the larva of the otter-moth at 
* e the roots, first occasion the plant to he sickly. Now, 
“ u r hen the hop grows wild in stony places, and fissures 
<c of rocks, where the moth cannot penetrate to de¬ 
posit. 
