178 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan., 



the leaves left will mature. Generally a field has to be topped 

 over several times before all the plants can be topped at the 

 same height. Some, at first, only pinch out the bud, wait- 

 ing a few days before topping to a standard or general level. 

 Top suckers appear in a few days, and must be removed be- 

 fore getting very strong. The general suckering of the plant 

 clean to the bottom should be done a few days before cutting, 

 though sometimes it is necessary to cut a row before suckering 

 the next, on account of the large growth, — when a person can 

 not do this work without considerable breakage. The period 

 during which tobacco ought to stand between topping and cut- 

 ting is dependent somewhat on the stage of growth it was in 

 when it was topped. Also it is largely a matter of opinion. 

 The old rule used to be ten days. This was twenty-five or 

 thirty years ago. Now it is considered best to let it stand three 

 weeks. Havana a longer time. The fact should be determined 

 by a slight change of color in the general aspect of the field, 

 showing the plants have reached a degree of ripeness that will 

 warrant cutting. As long as the field remains of a healthy 

 dark green color, and no rust appears, it is considered best to 

 let it stand a little longer, as at this stage it is increasing in 

 weight. Warm nights are now necessary. Cool nights re- 

 tard growth, though they have a tendency to force the ripening 

 of the plant. 



The green worm, which in former years caused much de- 

 struction in the tobacco fields, has become almost a curiosity, 

 so scarce have they become. The cutting or harvesting season 

 seriously begins the loth of August. Cutting should not begin 

 until the dew is off in the morning. This is done to the best 

 advantage about two o'clock in the afternoon, if the weather is 

 fair and hot. Wilting before stringing depends entirely on 

 the weather. Wilting tobacco thoroughly is not only a con- 

 venience in the handling, but a saving method as well, as there 

 is much less breakage, and less liability of pole sweat if care- 

 fully wilted before stringing. 



Lath has generally superseded twine in hanging tobacco, 

 as a quicker, more convenient, and less costly method. Tobacco 

 cures quicker on lath, the split stalks evaporating the moisture 

 much more rapidly. The hanging capacity of a building is the 

 same whether lath or twine is used. Tobacco will keep better 

 when piled down on the stalk if it is hung, on lath. The 



