134 
HOTS. 
I 
The construction of the kiln is as follows: the brick" 
work rises perpendicular from the ground, to a height 
sufficient to admit of about two or three feet below the 
bars, or grate, oh which the fire is made, and about 
six or seven above it; the dimensions at the base vary 
according to the size required for the grate, and to 
give the brick-work sufficient strength to support the 
superstructure; the height of this is determined by 
that of the building, when it is not erected new for the 
purpose; at the top of the perpendicular brick-work, 
iron bars are fixed at right angles; on them are laid 
tiles, or large flat stones, where they can be procured, 
these are covered on the upper side with a coat of 
mortar; the name given to this part of the kiln, the 
spark-stone, sufficiently denotes its use ; it is placed in 
the centre, and of such size as leaves room around it 
to admit the heat above, at the same time that it pre¬ 
vents the sparks from the fire being carried there; 
from this part the brick-work becomes wider, over¬ 
hanging gradually for about four feet, ill a funnel- 
shape, when it again rises perpendicular about two 
feet ; here joists are worked in at small distances 
from each other, and on these, laths are nailed, forming 
the floor; the brick-work is continued a foot higher, 
forming a breast-work round the top; on the floor, 
and round this breast-work, the hair-cloth is spread in, 
which the hops are contained. 
Dr. Nash thinks hop-ground a species of farming, 
taken for a number of j^ears, injurious both to land¬ 
lord and tenant; a few acres swallow up the manure of 
a farm, the crop is very uncertain and precarious ; on 
which account, the landlord often gives long credit for 
rent; it gives the tenant a turn for gambling and spe¬ 
culation, which frequently proves his ruin; it is in- 
