The Sun.
London, England, 1864-08-23 00:00:00

HOP INTELLIGENCE.

(From the illark Lane Express.)
EAST KENT.

CANTERBURY, Aug. 21.—As the time for picking ap-
proaches, the interest with regard to a crop so precarious
and uncertain as that of hops increases. I made numerous
inquiries among the farmers at our market yesterday, and
this morning I have received communications from planters
in upwards of twenty parishes in different parts of East
Kent. Taken singly, the reports are to some extent con-
flicting; but, as a whole, they are very favourable. The
weather has been ungenial since the date of my last report;
easterly winds, with cold nights. The torward hops, espe-
cially those on the southern and western sides of the poles,
near the tops, have continued to grow fasf, and are now fast
approaching maturity; but those which are still in a tran-
sition state, Letween burr and fruit, have been checked.
Last night the wind got round to the west, and a gentle rain
fell for several hours, from which a great deal of good is
expected, especially should the weather be fine during the
next five or six days. Mould to a greater or less extent is
found in many plantations ; but, except in four or five in-
stances, my correspondents report that it rather decreased
than increased since last week. Sulphur has been applied
successfully in several cases to prevent the spread of mould,
hat the necessity to resort to this deterring agent has been
exceptional. Where mould has increased, the prospects of
a crop are impaired to the extent of several hundredweights
per acre. The leaves of even the best •looking hops, in
mouldy grounds, instead of being crisp and closely over-
lapping each other, open out, and the hops are soft and
"fluffy," and have lost their condition. The backward hops
are prevented from coming to maturity. Not only is the
yield curtailed, but the quality is greatly impaired. But I
am glad to report that mould does not at present prevail to
an extent to greatly prejudice either the yield or the qua-
lity of the East Kent hop crop as a whole. The infection is
exceptional, and, where found, is only partial. On the
whole, there is now the almost certainty of a good crop.
Should the weather be favourable, picking will be from a
week to ten days earlier than usual; and, if mould should
spread, a commencement will be made before the end of the
month. The estimates with regard to the crop are various,
but even the lowest are not unsatisfactory. There are some
grounds the yield of which will not be less than 17 or 18
cwts. per acre, and there are very few indeed which will
give less than 5 or 6 cwts. per acre. The prevailing opinion
is that the average growth for East Kent will not be less
than 11 to 12 cwt.. por arra

Nriv YORK, Aug. N.—The accounts from the planta-
tions come daily worse. From every section the reports are
of the most discouraging character. It is now generally con-
ceded that there will not be more than half a crop, and some
experienced planters put it down at one-third; and what
renders the case much worse is that not more than one-
tenth of this deficient crop will be of choice quality. The
consequence is that all will be required for home consump-
tion, and exports entirely cut off. Prices have rallied here
considerably, and the few fine hops on hand withdrawn from
sale. Half a dollar per lb is fully anticipated as the future
value of choice quality.

NUREMBERG, Aug. 13.—The reports respecting the forth-
coming crop in this neighbourhood are most favourable, and
similar intElligence reaches ns from other parts; but from
Alsace we hear a different version. No bargains are made
there at less than 110 f to 1301, although it has been stated
that prospective sales had taken place at 80f. Spalt hops
to be delivered in October have been dealt in at 751 From
Poland and the Altmark reports as favourable as onr own
have been received, and about three-fourths of a crop are
expected.
SBALT, Aug. 14.—1 t is now considered certain that Spelt
and its neighbourhood will produce generally a good half-
crop, while here and there three-fourths may be looked for.
We have had some cold nights even in wall• sheltered places,
and should no favourable change take place our prospects
would much change.
BOTH (MIDDLE FRANCONIA), Aug. IG.—As the picking
time approaches many places promise well, but a great
variation is observable in other districts. Warm weather
only is wanting for the complete development of the bunches,
as we have plenty of moisture. From some parts of Middle
Franconia no reports aro issued, and the presumption there-
fore is that the prospects are bad.

THE REZAT (Bxv.tittA), Aug. 16.—The cold nights of
late have exercised no very beneficial effects on onr gardens,
and some have suffered to some extent ; but the plants are
clean, and show little indication.' of insects or discoloration,
so that an excellent quality is looked for. Sunshine and
warm days and nights are only wanted for the development
of so promising a crop ; and as an earnest of good weather
to come, to-day is bright and hot. The greater portion of
the growers are satisfied with their prospects, but others
still entertain unfavourable opinions. Picking will begin in
about three weeks.

STOCKACII (SuAnrA), Aug. grounds which are
free from insects and rust—about two-thirds of the whole—
present a splendid appearance, while others, which are
troubled with the plagues indicated, promise but a very
poor crop. On the whole, we look for about half a growth.
TUBINOEN (BAVARIA), Aug. 15.—The time for the de-
velopment of the burr and for the bunches passed over favour-
ably and quickly, so that we may soon expect to bring our
produce to market. Picking will begin next week with the
younger sorts. The blackness perceptible has made no pro-
gress of late ; and even from those parts where honey-dew
was most prevalent some sort of a crop is expected.
SAATZ (BOHEMIA), Aug. 11.—The rain looked for during
so long a period has not yet fallen, so that the hops in dry
situations have suffered very much, and not only have retro-
graded so far as the development of bunches is concerned,
but even the blossom has perished. It is to be feared that,
even in moist situations, the hops will suffer severely, espe-
cially as picking ought soon to begin,
BISCHWEILER (LOWER RHINE), Aug. 13.—Some im-
provement has taken place with us, for the hops look much
better than during the previous week, as they have been
much cleansed by the rain which has fallen. Those grounds
wbi.A ""ltivalocl will produce the usual crop, but
those which suffered early hold out but poor prospects of an
improvement.

PRAGUE, Aug. 12.—Our hops look exceedingly well, and
promise to be a good crop. In old goods but little is done,
as the stocks are nearly exhausted. Prices are nominal.
lIERzBRoucK, Aug. 11.—Rain has fallen abundantly
here, and the effect on the growth has been marvellous.
TETTNANG (ON THE LAKE OF CONSTANCE), Aug. 9.
Pickimg will begin this week with the young hops, and thus
the greater portion of the crop will soon be ready for the
market. The crop promises well both as to quantify had
quality.