egins, sets, or small pieces of the roots of hops, must be
obtained from hops that are esteemed the best.[5] Cut off from the main
stalk or root, six inches in length, branches or suckers, most healthy,
and of the last year's growth, if possible to be procured; if not, they
should be wrapped in a cloth, kept in a moist place, excluded from the
air. A hole should then be made large and deep, and filled with rich
mellow earth. The sprouts should be set in this earth with the bud
upwards, and the ground pressed close about them. If the buds have
begun to open, the uppermost must be left just out of the ground,
otherwise cover it with the earth an inch. Two or three sets to a pole
is sufficient, and three poles to a hill will be found most productive;
place one of the poles towards the north, the other two at equal
distances, about two feet apart. The sets are to be placed in the same
manner as the poles, that they may the easier climb. The length of the
poles may be from fourteen to eighteen feet, according as the soil is
rich or poor. The poles should be placed so as to incline to each
other, meet at their tops, and there be tied. This is contrary to the
European method, but will be found best in America. In this way they
will strengthen and support each other, and form so great a defence
against the violent gusts of wind, to which our climate is frequently
subject in the months of July and August, as to prevent their being
blown down. They will, likewise, form a three-sided pyramid, which will
have the greatest possible advantage from the sun. It is suggested by
experience, that hops which grow near the ground are the best. Too long
poles, therefore, are not good, and care should be taken that the vines
do not run beyond the poles, twisting off their tops will prevent it.
The best kinds of wood for poles are alder, ash, birch, elm, chestnut,
and cedar, their durability is directly the reverse of the order in
which they stand; charring, or burning the end put into the ground,
will preserve them. Hops should not be poled till the spring of the
second year, and then not till they have been dressed. All that is
necessary for the first year, is to keep the hops free from weeds, and
the ground light and mellow by hoeing and ploughing often, if the yard
be large enough to admit of it. The vines, when run to the length of
four or five feet, should be twisted together, to prevent their bearing
the first year, for that would injure