M. r. I. r>4L>. 



THli PKl-SBNT STATUS OF THE TOBACCO 



INDUSTRY. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Tobacco has occupied an iiiij)()rtant position as a money crop in a 

 number of the Eastern States since the earhest days of the colonies. 

 It is a crop which is remarkably sensitive, as regards quaUty, to the 

 conditions under which it grows, and the requirements for producing 

 the finer grades are quite exactmg. This fact limits the output of 

 strictly first-class tobacco, so that this product frequently com- 

 mands a high i)rice in the market as compared with other crops. 

 The high prices in some cases warrant intensive systems of produc- 

 tion, and the discovery of new varieties or new methods of production 

 may bring large profits to growers in limited areas or in larger areas 

 for short periods of time. In every such case, however, the history 

 of the industry shows there has been a readjustment of conditions, 

 resulting usually from overproduction, bringing about a lower level of 

 prices, which may leave only a fair margin of profit, or in extreme 

 cases no profit at all. 



The demand for new crops in various sections, brought about by 

 the needs for diversification in connection with improving crop yields, 

 controlling diseases and insects, and changes in economic conditions 

 due to other causes, has served in many cases to direct attention to 

 the possibility of introducing tobacco culture into new territory as a 

 money crop. In some instances, moreover, the abnormally large profits 

 obtained on special types of tobacco grown on a comparatively small 

 scale have led to the utilization of these results in the exploitation 

 of large tracts of land thought to be adapted for the special type, often 

 with the result of disappointment and financial loss to those who are 

 induced to invest in these enterprises. i 



In considering the advisability of undertaking the culture of to- 

 bacco in any locality, especially in new territory, there are several 

 important facts concerning the industry which should be kept in 

 mind, and it is mainly for the purpose of bringing these facts to the 

 attention of the prospective grower that this publication has been 

 prepared. 



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