16 OCTOBER 1926, Page 18

HOPS IN BERKSHIRE

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—It may interest your readers and Sir W. Beach Thomas to know that the attempt to grow hops in Berkshire is not the first of its kind in the annals of that county. At the Manor Farm, East Hagbourne, there stands a fine old red brick hop kiln, with three furnaces. The hop gardens were turned into apple orchards more than thirty years ago. There is a mighty hawthorn hedge surrounding one, which was planted to shield the hops from the keen downland winds. The old hop kiln itself is now covered with creepers, and is the delight of every artist who sees it.—I am, Sir, &c., Caversham. M. G. HUMEREY.