This is a plant that grows in the shape of a vine both in Europe and in the United States, along the hedges and old stumps and walls, and is cultivated and grown at the present time for its valuable properties. It is largely used in the brewing of ale, beer and porter, and is what might be termed one of the standard herbs. We certainly cannot value this gift of God to man in the line of a natural product too highly.

Medical properties and uses. -- Lupuline, or hops, is a mild sleep producer, and is quieting to the nervous system in a great many cases. A man was once cured of dyspepsia by drinking lager beer, and he afterwards found it was the hops in the beer that did the work. They are valuable in the form of a hot poultice applied to the parts affected with cramps or painful conditions. No family should be without hops in the house, or where they can readily obtain them. They will relieve cramps and pains of the womb, when put on the belly in a sack in a hot condition.