REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. LXXV 



the information at present obtainable it does not seem that the prod- 

 uct will be of equal value with that of the Connecticut Valley. The 

 Department is still of the opinion that the conditions essential for the 

 raising of a high grade of Sumatra tobacco are limited in extent and 

 can be closeh^ defined by the soil survey. 



INVESTIGATIONS IN THE FILLER TOBACCO DISTRICTS. 



The experiment of raising Cuban filler in Lancaster County, Pa., 

 last 3"ear was not a success. It is believed, however, that this was due 

 to a misunderstanding with the growers and a consequent lack of care 

 and thoroughness in the cultivation and handling of the crop. While 

 it was thought that these investigations should not have been inter- 

 rupted or discouragement felt at the lack of success in this first attempt, 

 it was impossible for financial reasons to maintain a party in Penn- 

 sylvania, as a promise had already been given to start the work in 

 Ohio. Accordingly, more careful plans were made, and a crop was 

 grown on the upland soils of the Miami Valle}^, under the direct and 

 immediate supervision of the Department's experts. This crop has 

 just been harvested, and it is too early to determine the value of the 

 product. From other crops that have been raised in the locality from 

 imported Cuban seed, which have been fermented 1)}' our experts and 

 thoroughly examined, it would appear that a desirable type of leaf, 

 approaching very closely the imported Cuban leaf, can be produced. 

 The quality of the leaf is not at present all that could be desired. 

 There is something harsh about the aroma, but it is thought that this 

 can be considerabh' toned down, if not entirel}^ eliminated, by thorough 

 methods of cultivation and fermentation. 



The tobacco situation in Texas has been thoroughlv studied, and it 

 is thought that a desirable leaf will be produced there by careful 

 methods of cultivation, fermentation, and assorting. 



CONFERENCE OF TOBACCO EXPERTS. 



A conference has recently been held in Washington by the tobacco 

 experts of the Department to consider the general situation and to 

 advise as to the methods to be pursued during next season, especially 

 in Ohio and Texas. Arrangements have been made for experimenta- 

 tion during the coming crop season with good prospects of producing 

 tine filler tobacco in these two States. Leaf has been grown that 

 can not be distinguished from the imported Cuban when properly 

 fermented. 



SALARIES OF TOBACCO EXPERTS. 



The demand for experts to carry on tobacco investigations has been 

 so great that Mr. Floyd, although receiving as high a salary as, in 

 justice to other ofiicers of departments, it seemed possible to pay him, 



