138 



Topping. — Topping is simply breaking off tlie bud at the 

 top of the stalk, as represented by figure 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 ; will ripen 

 sooner, while the quality is much better. 



There are various methods of topping, as well as different 

 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 should 

 be done as soon as possible, as a longer time will be required 

 for the leaves to grow and ripen than when topping is de- 

 layed until the plants are in bloom. Top the plants at a 

 regular height, leaving from nine to twelve leaves, so that 

 the field will look even and also make the number of leaves 

 to a plant uniform. The above method of topping refers 

 more especially to cigar rather than cutting leaf. Those 

 varieties of tobacco suited for cutting leaf should be topped 

 as soon as the flower bud appears ; top low, thereby throwing 

 the strength of the stalk into a few leaves, making them 



