Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-08-22


the minor branches Of agriculture to
which there seems 10 be disposition on
the part Of limited class Of our planters
to turn their attention, we observe that
Of hop raising. Two gentlemen Of our
acquaintance, Richard Mason, Esq, Of
Mason's depot, aud William somerville,
Esq., of Brownsville, have both made
crops the present season, and seem
highly graiified with the result Of the ex'
pertinent The first named gentleman
assures US there is more money in hops
than 10 cotton, at the present prices OF
the two products. An acre planted in
hops will produce an average yield Of
two and q half bales, which
readily bring in the market three hun
bred dollars per bale, or seven hundred
and fihy dollars to the acre. This is
readily observed as largely in excess Of
what can possibly be realized per acre
in cotton, at present rates, on the richest
land and under the most favorable sea-
sons. And then the labor requisite for
the cultivation of the hop is much less
than that necessary in the raising Of cot
ton; and, further, there is much less UNI
certainty in the crop with quite
as ready sale when placed on
the market. There is no reason
why the breweries in and around the
city, which are the greatest hop consu'
mers, should not be supplied from our
own soil instead of from abroad, as they
have been in the past. Hops are among
the many products which it is folly for
us to import so long as they can be raised
at profit at home, and we trust by an
other season the traffic may be entirely
abandoned.
GRAPE GRowISG.-We have received
from the vineyard of Mr.. j. N. Shepherd,
at Raleigh, two fine specimens Of his
first years crop. These varieties are
the Concord and the famous Delaware.
Regarding the former, Mr.. s. says they
prove to be very productive, healthy and
Of fine flavor; the latter Of which quail
ties we are prepared to fully indorse il
the cluster presented ms is, as repre-
sented, fair sample. Of the Delaware
he speaks even more highly, and as his
experience may be of value to those
contemplating setting out vineyards We
give it. Respecting this variety, be ssy'
"they have given entire satisfaction
have ripened uniformly, hang well after
maturing, have shown no symptoms Of
rot and in flavor are unexcelled,' l re
gard them as the grape for the South. !
he further informs US that he has all the
leading varieties on trial and intends
giving them thorough test as to which
is best adapted to our soil and climate
His experiments will not only prove Of
value to himself, but will be valuable tc
the community at large, and we trust
therefore, that in due time they may bs
made public. The example set by Mr.
Shepherd in turning his attention to frui
growing is worthy Of example. There ii
no reason why, with soil and climate
peculiarly adapted to the culture of thu
grape, we should not boast as luxurian
and productive vineyards as any in tn
world. There is wealth of resources il
our soil, in our valleys and on our hill
sides, which once developed, would trans
form our land into a paradise of plent,
and prosperity.
The ORCHESTRA AT THE New MEN
pHIs FOR NEXT SEAseS.-After the com
pany, no appointment of the vel
regulated theater is more indispensable