23 



The growth of the suckers is injurious to the leaf, retard- 

 ing their size and maturity, and atfect the quality as well 

 as the maturity of the plant. When the plants are fully 

 ripe and ready to harvest, the suckers will be found to be 

 growing around the root of the plant. 



This is one of the most reliable evidences of its maturity^ 

 as it denotes the ripening of the entire plant. 



Breaking oft* the suckers hastens the ripening of the 

 leaves and gives a lighter shade of color, no matter on 

 what soil the plants are grown. 



Toppimj. — Topping is simply breaking oft' the bud at the 

 top of the stalk, as represented by ftgure 8, — 



Figure 8. 



to prevent the plant running up to flower and seed. 



By this means the best growth of the leaves is secured, 

 and they at once develop to the largest possible size; wdll 

 ripen sooner, while the quality is much better. 



There are various methods of topping, as well as difter- 

 ent periods. Some planters top as soon as the capsules 

 appear, while others wait until the plants are in full blossom. 

 If topped before the plants have come into blossom, it 



