JO May, 1909.] Development of tlic Tobacco Industry. 



295 



If the palea acts by retarding the entry of oxygen and so maintaining 

 within the seed a percentage of free oxygen insufficient to excite germina- 

 tion, then it must do so in some special manner, for experiments performed 

 with the seeds under an air pressure of 2-3 atmospheres did not show 

 any increase in the rapidity or amount of germination. The soaked 

 seeds were placed on blotting paper in a strong flask, which was attached 

 to a large cylinder of air at a pressure of 3 atmospheres. An exit 

 tube from the flask terminated in a considerable length of fine capillary 

 tubing placed under water, so that the stream of minute escaping bubbles 

 only represented a very slow current of air through the flask. The total 

 germination was, however, lessened, and its rapidity lowered. Thus, after 

 the first week, only 8 per cent, had germinated, whereas 32 per cent, had 

 germinated of seeds in an open dish in the same time at 20-25 deg. C. 

 Possibly the slow current of air, by aiding evaix>ration, keeps the tempera- 

 ture lower within the flask than it is outside, but if the flask is filled with 

 air at 3 atmospheres, and then closed, the accumulating carbxDn dioxide 

 prevents any germination at all. 



DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY. 



The following figures in relation to the tobacco industry show the pro- 

 gress made since Mr. Temple A. J. Smith was appointed Tobacco Expert 

 in 1901 : — 



It will be noted that the number of growers, and also the area under 

 cultivation, has been trebled, and that the yield has increased in still 

 greater proportion. The low yield of 1906-7 was due to the exceptionally 

 bad season. For the present season, 1908-9, the area prepared for the 

 crop considerably exceeds any of those quoted. 



One of the most pleasing features of the development of the industry 

 i.> the fact that Victoria can and does produce a good quality cigar leaf, 

 although it was predicted by several manufacturers that it would be im- 

 possible to grow cigar leaf under prevailing climatic conditions. Another 

 proof that Victorian leaf is improving in quality, is shown by the increased 

 prices obtainable. The pipe tobaccoes now sell at yd. to 9d. per lb., while 

 for cigar leaf is. to is. 6d. has been obtained, and, in one instance, 2s. 

 per lb. 



The foregoing figures will give .some idea of the value of the crop to pro- 

 ducers. Crops of 1,000 lbs. to 1,500 lbs. of cured leaf per acre are not 

 uncommon, the value at present prices being from ;^3o to j[^\o for pipe 

 tobaccoes, and as high as ^100 per acre for cigar leaf. 



