THE EUROPEAN HOP CHOP.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 249, 19 October 1881, Page 4

THE EUROPEAN HOP CHOP.

Advices received by the Brindisi mail of July 59th states that the absence of rain in both Kent and Sussex was acting prejudically to many of the plantations in those counties, particularly to those on light gravelly soils. In some parts of Kent though, thanks to the remarkable absence of mould, vermin or any such deterrent influence, the growth had been steady, there was a sufficiency of laterals to carry a good crop, and, should rain soon put in an appearance, the prospects of the planters would be good. The " earliest " were well in burr and looked healthy. In east Kent the gardens were cleaner than for many years past, and the laterals were numerous and bright, although showiug no burr. In Sussex the prospects were not so good as a fortnight previously, mould being prevalent in nearly al! the grounds. From Worcester reports come that the growing plant bas had a very trying time, owing to great vicissitudes of temperature, viz. 40 to 50 degrees in twenty-four hours. In many gardens the bine had not topped the poles, but blight was apparently on the decrease. From Germany reports are almost without exception favorable, though anxiety prevails in some parts. The gardens look promising in Poperinghe, where it is expected that heavy crops will be secured. At Antwerp new hops were being offered for delivery in October or November, at about £3 per fifty kilos, but dealings were few. The English market continues excessively quiet, there being next to nothing doing.