15 Nov.^ 1919.] Manures and Fertilizers for Tobacco. 675 



For rich soils, no manure is required for the first crop, but later on, 

 as more crops are taken off, superphosphates should be used. 



Ordinaiy farm manures cause a heavy growth of coarse leaf, whicli 

 is undesirable, especially as the demand at present is almost altogether 

 for the lighter types of tobacco leaf; but where light and sandy soils 

 are being used, well-rotted farm manure will be found very beneficial 

 in supplying both humus and food supply. 



Time to Tkansplant. 

 Transplanting season may be approximately stated as from the Ist 

 of October to the 15th of January, and it is wise to put the plants out as 

 eoon as they are ready, that is, when the leaves are from 2 to 3 inches 

 in length. The cautious grower will have relays of plants coming on 

 to cover the risk of a failure of those just planted, which may oceux 

 through cut-worm, frost, or other causes. Very early planting is not 

 always desirable, as if a cold change takes place after planting the 

 young plants do not thrive, and growth is at a stand-still. This is a 

 condition to be avoided at all costs, as continuous growth is essential 

 to a healthy crop ; moreover, the longer period of growth tends to greater 

 loss and labour, as well as giving greater chances for the appearance of 

 cut-worms and weeds. Experience has proved that November and 

 December are the best months for transplanting, and many good and 

 cheaply grown crops have been put out up to the end of January. 

 In all cases, but particularly for late planting, thorough cultivation 

 is essential. Fallowed land, well and consistently worked to make a 

 good seed-bed and conserve moisture, will also get rid of insect pests 

 and release greater supplies of plant food, besides saving much work 

 in weeding and later inter-cultivation. 



Distances to Plant. 



The usual distance to plant is 3 feet each way, but insufficient 

 attention is given to this important work. Where the soil is rich, and 

 the crop is liable to grow too strong and coarse, closer planting in the 

 rows will be found to counteract these defects. Three feet between 

 the rows has been found the most desirable distance, as it enables a 

 horse to work between the plants with the least damage to the crop; 

 but when it is desired to produce a finer texture in the leaf and ripen 

 the crop earlier, 2 feet, and even 18 inches, will be found advisable. 

 Cigar leaf, which should be thin in texture and delicate in flavour, is 

 especially suited to close planting in the rows. Deep planting is better 

 than shallow, and the plant should be set to a depth that will leave 

 the heart level with the surface, and the leaves closed to cover the heart 

 from the direct rays of the sun. Here, again, the advantage of thorough 

 cultivation will be observed. 



In all cases where possible, the use of a tobacco transplanting machine 

 will be found to do the work better and easier than hand planting. 

 Two to 3 acres per day can be set out, and the plants watered at the 

 same time, and if required manured; though broadcast manuring a 

 couple of weeks before transplanting will be found more efficacious 

 in the end. 



Transplanting machines were a few years ago imported from 

 America, but are now manufactured in Wangaratta, by Mr. Albert 

 Smith, for a cost of £22 lOs. per machine. 



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