d of a yellowish color. This
variety is not so tall as the Spanish or Large Smooth. The ribs are
large and solid.

The Tours Cardoon is cultivated by the market-gardeners around Paris;
and, notwithstanding the inconvenience arising from its numerous and
rigid spines, it is considered by them as the best, because of its
thick, tender, and delicate ribs.

* * * * *

THE HOP.

Humulus lupulus.

The Hop is considered a native of this continent, and is found wild in
all parts of the United States. The root is perennial, but the stems are
annual. The latter are from ten to twenty-five feet in length, angular,
rough, and twine from right to left. The leaves are placed opposite each
other on the stem, on long, winding footstalks: the smaller ones are
heart-shaped; the larger ones three or five lobed, veiny, and rough. The
barren and fertile flowers are produced on separate plants: the former
being very numerous and paniculated; the latter in the form of an ament,
or collection of small scales, which are more or less covered with a
fine, yellow powder called "lupulin."

While several distinct sorts of the fertile or hop-bearing plant have
been long in cultivation, only one variety of the male or barren plant
is known.

_Soil and Location._--Though it may be cultivated with success in a
variety of soils, the Hop prefers a rich, deep loam, which should be
thoroughly ploughed, and, if necessary, enriched with well-digested
compost. In general, it may be said that "good corn-land is good
hop-land." Hops, however, are reputed to be of better quality when
raised on comparatively thin soils.

_Propagation and Culture._--It is propagated by a division of the roots
early in spring. When extensively cultivated, the plants are set in
hills, five to seven feet apart, and three or four cuttings or slips
allowed to a hill; but in garden culture, to procure the young shoots,
the plants are set in rows about three feet apart, and one foot from
plant to plant in the rows.

_Use._--The plant is principally cultivated for its flowers, which are
largely employed in the manufacture of malt liquors. The young shoots
are cut in spring, when they are five or six inches in height, and eaten
as salad, or used as asparagus, which they somewhat resemble in taste.

* * * * *

HOOSUNG, OR OOSUNG. _Hov. Mag._

A lettuce-like plant from Shanghai. Stems cylindrical, from two to three