1004 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 



If one considers as suitable for use as binders all leaves of a length 

 of 18 to 24 inches, provided that they have a texture sufficiently tough and not too 

 thick, it -will be seen that the Havana Seed Leaf is decidedly superior. But if shorter 

 leaves (16 inches), if fine and of a more rounded form than the Havana Seed 

 Leaf, are accepted, the ideal type for binders would be represented by the Yamaska. 



On the other hand, considering the relative position of the leaves on the stalk, it 

 is difficult not to accept as fit for binders at least the 26-inch leaves of the Big Ohio 

 Sumatra, those of the Havana Seed Leaf and of the Comstock. Such binders may 

 be less in demand than those 18 to 24 inches in length, but they are certainly suitable 

 for cigar making. 



The relative proportion of binders furnished by these different varieties accord- 

 ing to the manufacturer's grading, is as follows : — 



Percentage of thin leaf, of good texture, elastic and pliant, comprised in the lengths 



given below. 



The 18 to 24-inch leaves represent the true type of binder leaf; those from 16 

 to 24 inches include that part of the product which could be used for the purpose by 

 manufacturers who value highly a thin binder and are not specially concerned as 

 to its development; those from 18 to 26 inches would serve in part for machine work, 

 owing to the proportion of large 24-inch leaves contained. As to the leaves from 16 

 to 26 inches, of which naturally the amount is greatest, they might be used by those 

 engaged in the manufacture of varied tobacco products. 



In the first case, if attention is paid to the qualities of the tissue of each variety, 

 preference maist be given to the Comstock Spanish; in the second case, to the 

 Yamaska; in the third and fourth, to the Comstock Spanish again. The Havana 

 Seed Leaf gives a product somewhat thicker, running fewer leaves to the pound, and 

 hence not furnishing so many binders. 



The preceding tables have been obtained by considering as leaves suitable for 

 binders of the first mentioned class (18 to 24 inches), the top leaves of a length 

 greater than 18 inches; among the middle and bottom leaves., those longer than 16 

 inches. 



In calculating the second class (16 to 24 inches) the low leaves of 16 inches 

 length have not been included in the case of the Havana Seed Leaf and the Comstock 

 Spanish. The presence of a large proportion of 16-inch leaves among the middle 

 leaves of these two varieties indicates that. the 16-inch leaves classified as bottom 

 leaves are lacking in substance and cannot possibly be classified as binders. 



These relative proportions should not be considered as absolutely fixed. It is 

 necessary to take into account the differences of seasons and the variations which 

 may occur in varieties of which the type is not yet fixed, such as the Yamaska and 

 the Big Ohio x Sumatra. The latter especially encourages the hope that among 

 selections from it may be established a type with leaves a little shorter, perhaps, but 

 of a more rounded and suitable form, which may take a better position in the 18 to 

 24-inch classification. 



Moreover, we have not taken into consideration here the question of flavour and 

 strength of these varieties when used as binders, a question of importance in the 



Ottawa. ■ 



