180 DEPAETMENTAL KEPOETS. 



1,144 pounds per acre; the cost of this was approximately $657.17 

 per acre; the value at $1.20 ])er pound was 11,372.80; giving a net 

 profit of $715.63. The best crop, which was raised on a lot of about 

 6 acres, gave a yield of 1,026 pounds per acre; the estimated cost was 

 $649.86 per acre; the total value at $1.63 per pound, the average price 

 obtained for this lot, was $1,672.38, giving a net profit of $1,022.52 per 

 acre. 



A great deal of interest has been felt, of course, as to the experi- 

 ence of the cigar manufacturers in handling this product, and the 

 reports have been anxiously awaited. Ver}^ favorable notices have 

 been published from time to time in the press and various trade 

 journals, but in order to obtain direct and reliable information the 

 Department addressed three of the largest cigar manufacturers in 

 Hartford and vicinity, who it was known had purchased some of 

 the stock at auction. In reply to these inquiries the following let- 

 ters were received : 



Hartford, Conn., August £5, 1902. 



Dear Sir: I beg to inclose yon my foreman's report on shade-grown tobacco. 

 (Mitchelson, 1901 crop.) The appearance of the crop in the sheds this year shows 

 an improvement in color; there are more brown leaves, with less of the green cast 

 so much in evidence last season. I hope the growers will make a special effort to 

 raise shade-grown wrappers only on land that prodixces a sure burn. This type 

 is only for wrappers, and a perfect burn is quite important. 



Respectfully, yours, Charles Soby. 



report to CHARLES SOBY BY E. M. ROSZELLE, FOREMAN OF FACTORY, ON TEST OF 

 SHADE-GROWN WRAPPERS, MITCHELSON CROP, 1901. 



Shade-grown wrappers, as tested under my supervision, will show some remark- 

 able results as to yield of product and of the effect on quality of cigars by their 

 use. By comparison with a like quantity of imported Sumatra wrappers, as to 

 yield in product, the difference in favor of the shade-grown wrappers is apparent 

 to all. 



Our test on one bale of shade-grown wrappers of 155 pounds net weight shows 

 the enormous yield of 85,432 cigars, an average of 293V ounces per thousand. 

 The same stock, as prepared by the tobacco strippers for the workmen's tables, 

 shows an average of 37f ounces per thousand, which includes waste of all descrip- 

 tions in the stripping room. Our tests on imported Sumatra wrappers of same 

 weights show an average of 70,000 cigars to the bale, with greater loss in stem and 

 wrappers in preparation. 



In casing for the stripping room the shade-grown wrappers take the water very 

 nicely and show no bad effects, the wrappers being much easier handled by the 

 caser than Sumatra. It does not become matted, but separates vnthout any 

 trouble. 



The workmen find no difficulty in working the leaf, as no loss of time or prod- 

 uct is caused by the use of shade-grown wrappers. The leaf is very elastic and 

 works well by comparison with other wrappers tested by us. 



The quality of the shade wrappers is excellent and blends very well with our 

 binders and fillers. I am positive the cigars are improved in quality by its use. 

 I find no trouble with the burn of the leaf in my daily inspection of the wrappers. 

 I have failed to find a single leaf that does not burn perfectly. 



As to color, they are not perfect in all respects. I find that abowt 91 per cent 

 of the stock tested by us was good in color. 



All things considered, the points in favor of the shade-grown wrappers may be 

 summed up as follows: 



First. Greater yield in product. 



Second. Leaves are lighter in weight and color. 



Third. Less waste and cost in preparation for workmen's tables. 



Fourth. Less loss in weight of stems as compared with Sumatra wrappers. 

 Respectfully, yours, 



E. M. RoSZELLE. 



