15 



temperatures is characteristic of Hawaii, so that the rainfall or the 

 al)ility to irrig-ate the crop when re(|uire(l become of j^reatcr impor- 

 tance than any consideration of actual temperatures. 



In the windward districts protection from wind nuist be provided 

 (Phite I, tig-. 3). This may be accomplished either by tentin*^ the field 

 with cotton cloth, as in Connecticut and Florida, or permitting- the 

 larger ohia trees to remain when the land is cleared; or, in case tobacco 

 is planted on lands cleared for cane or other "open-tield" crops, b}" 

 planting or constructing- suitable wind-breaks. In the leeward districts 

 the protection from wind may be neglected. 



After comparison of results in Hawaii with those obtained elsewhere 

 in growing tobacco of fine quality, it is believed that uniformity of 

 temperatures, with sufficient moisture during the growing season of 

 the plant, have as nmch to do with the quality of tobacco as an}- other 

 physical or climatic factor. If this be true, the remarkable monotony 

 of temperatures and narrow variations, daih% monthly, and seasonal, 

 should make it possible to grow in Hawaii fine tobaccos which will in 

 time -jC classed as distinct from those of any other land, 



CULTIVATION, CURING, ETC. 



One of the main requisites for success in tobacco culture is to have 

 good, strong, health}- plants ready to transplant to the field at the 

 proper time. Good seed is the first essential in their production, for 

 without good stock to start with, one can hardly expect to obtain the 

 best results. 



An open seed bed, as is used in other countries, would prove a fail- 

 ure in Hawaii. Insects are too numerous and the soil too full of humus 

 to stand burning. Two methods can be recommended. The first of 

 these is elevated boxes, set about 20 inches from the ground on posts, 

 the box level and projecting at least 6 inches outside the posts, 3^ to 4 

 feet wide, 10 to 12 feet long, and at least 6 inches deep. Fill full with 

 good soil, sifted to remove sticks, trash, and stones, the last inch being 

 finer, so that the seed, which is very small, may come in closer contact 

 with the soil, but not be covered too deepl3^ Add a pound or two of 

 air-slaked lime and mix well with the last 2 inches of top soil filled into 

 the boxes or beds. The seedboxes, when the seedlings show up, should 

 be covered with a gable-roofed frame, covered with cheese cloth or 

 light, open cotton. This cover retains the moisture, maintains a more 

 nearly uniform temperature, and wards off insects. 



The other method is to build a large cloth house, with gable roof, 

 and in it arrange the beds so as to permit ready passage among them. 

 The elevated boxes, for a few plants, are the easier to make and care 

 for. In an excessively rainy period the boxes do not drain off the 

 water as well as the beds and become cold and sogg}'. For growing a 

 large number of plants the seed house is to be preferred. 



