136 



cigar leaf is raised, nearly all kinds of domestic, commercial, 

 and special fertilizers are used. Of domestic fertilizers, 

 horse manure is considered the best, as it produces the finest 

 and lightest colored leaf of any known fertilizer. Cotton 

 seed meal, when used with domestic manure, is an excellent 

 and strong manure. 



Mapes formula is a favorite with many growers of fine 

 cigar leaf in Connecticut. 



VI. 



THE PLANT. 



The plant bears from eight to twenty leaves, according to 

 the species of the plant. 



Figure 6. 



They have, as represented in figure 6, various forms; ovate, 

 lanceolate, and pointed. Leaves of a lanceolate form are the 

 largest, and the shape found on most varieties of the Ameri- 

 can plant. 



The color of the leaves when growing, as well as after cur- 

 ing and sweating, varies, and is frequently caused by the con- 

 dition of the soil. The color, while growing, may be either 

 a light or dark green, which usually changes to a yellowish 

 cast as the plant ripens. The ground leaves generally ripen 

 first, turning yellow and during wet weather will rot and 

 drop from the stalk if not gathered. The color of the leaf, 

 after curing, may be determined by the color of the leaf 

 while growing ; if dark green while maturing in the field, the 



