Tobacco ExferiTnentfi at Edi. 637 



TOBACCO EXPERIMENTS AT EDI. 



By Tf'inpk' A. J. Smith. 



Preparation and Treatment of Seed Beds 



The work of preparing seed beds at the Government Tobacco 

 Farm was commenced in June, 1902, by burning a quantity of bush 

 timber, bark, etc., on the sites chosen, both on the high land and 

 the flats. This practice is to be recommended, as it not only enriches 

 the soil, but all vegetable seeds are destroyed, and much labor is 

 saved later on in weeding the beds when the plants are growing, 

 whilst some of the earliest and best plants were taken from the burnt 

 beds. After burning, the surface was carefully raked over to remove 

 all lumps of ash, stones, etc., and the soil dug over to a depth of five 

 inches, and left in a rough state to sweeten by frost and weather. A 

 month later the beds were formed about 6 inches in height, and 3 feet 

 in width, the soil being well worked and pulverised. Other beds 

 were made level with the surrounding surface, also some with the 

 tops arched and well raised, and some with flat tops. Seeding was 

 commenced on July 27tli and continued, at intervals of two weeks, up 

 to September 16th. The early sown beds produced the strongest and 

 best plants, being better rooted than those of later growth. The 

 level flat beds were the most successful, but it must be remembered 

 that the season was the driest known for many years and plants were 

 grown in low-lying places which could not have been attempted in 

 ordinary seasons, and careful growers should try different localities 

 and aspects so as to be prepared for wet or dry years. 



Various coverings were used for the purpose of protecting the 

 young plants from frost, insects, wind, etc. The old practice of 

 covering with straw or grass laid on the top of the bed until the 

 plants were fairly strong was tried. Other beds were enclosed with 

 a wooden frame made of boards 18 inches high, and cheesecloth 

 supported by battens stretched across. Beds were also sown under 

 glass cover, with a close frame surrounding them. 



Of the three systems, that of covering with cheesecloth, and 

 enclosing with boards or logs, is undoubtedly the best. The plants 

 are well protected from frost, hail, cold winds, and sudden changes, 

 they require less watering and insects cannot reach them so readily. 

 Care should be taken to harden the plants before transplanting, by 

 exposing them for a few hours daily without the cover, beginning in 

 cloudy weather if possible. The glass covered plants are apt to grow 

 too fast, with a long stem and small root, and do not stand trans- 

 planting well. 



The plants grown under straw or grass are much subject to 

 damage by insects, and severe changes of weather. When 

 successful they transplant well, being hardy, but are later in reaching 

 the transplanting stage. The cost of covering with cheese cloth is 

 slight, and 40s. will provide sufficient to cover beds enough for 7 or 

 8 acres, the same cover will last two seasons, and the saving in labor 

 by watering and weeding is considerable. Plants grown on thg 



