but, much more frequently, it amounts
to two hundred dollars, and sometimes so high as four hundred dollars
per acre. In this country, experiments have been equally flattering. A
gentleman in Massachusetts, in the summer of 1791, raised hops, from
one acre of ground that sold for three hundred dollars; it is allowed,
that land in this state is equally favourable to the growth of hops.
Upon a low estimate, we may fairly compute the nett profit of one acre
of hops to be eighty dollars, over and above poles, manure, and labour;
and in a good year a great deal more might be expected. There is one
circumstance further we think has weight, and ought to be mentioned: in
the English estimate the expense put down is what they can hire the
labour done for by those who make it their business to perform the
different parts of the cultivation. A great saving may, therefore, be
made by our farmers in the article of labour, for much of it may be
performed by women and children. Added to this, we have another
advantage of no small moment in this country: the hop harvest will come
between our two great harvests, the small grain and Indian corn,
without interfering with either but in England the case is otherwise:
the small grain and hop harvest come in together, and create a great
scarcity of hands, it being then the most busy season of the year. It
is found, by experience, that the soil and climate of the eastern
states are more favourable to the growth of hops than Great Britain;
they not being so subject to moist, foggy weather of long continuance,
which is most injurious to hops; and the southern and middle states are
still more favourable to the growth of hops than the eastern states, in
point of flavour and strength. The State of New-York unites some
advantages from either extreme of the union. The cultivators of land in
this state have every inducement, which policy or interest can offer,
to enter with spirit into the cultivation of hops; as we shall thereby
be able to supply our own demand, which is now every year increasing,
instead of sending to our neighbours for every bag we consume; a
circumstance the more unaccountable, as hops, are on all hands, allowed
to be one of the most profitable crops that can be raised; the culture
requires but little land, the labour may be performed at intervals, so
as not to interfere with other business of the farm, and be generally
performed by women and children. There is hardly a farmer in t