10 Oct., 1916.] Blue Mould in Tobacco Plants. 



603 



ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STEAMING AND DRENCHING. 



The relative advantages of steaming compared with formalin drenching are 

 largely in the more certain effectiveness and thoroughness of the steaming, 

 together with the killing out of weed seeds in the plant-beds, thus saving subse- 

 quent cost of weeding. Perhaps yet another advantage of the steaming is that 

 it brings tobacco growers to realize that a real problem is to be met, not an 

 invention of the mind, and that foresight in jjreparation and treatment are 

 required. Further, it will probably be found that the heavy soils of the uplands 

 will not be easily penetrated by the formalin drench. On the other hand, the 

 gravelly soils of the valley districts will be likely to respond quite satisfactorily 

 to the drenching method. 



This circular has been prepared to give timely advice to those expecting to 

 grow tobacco crops in 1916. It does not cover the problems relating to the 

 possible presence of the root-rot fungus in the soil where the crop is to be grown, 

 but this j^roblem may be left for the present, since it is impossible to grow a 

 good crop without growing a healthy supply of plants. It is hoped, upon further 

 investigation, to supply additional information regarding the root-rot problem 

 in tobacco fields. It is urged that growers group themselves together and co- 

 operate in the treatment work. This co-operation may apply in the combined 

 purchase of an inverted pan for steaming the beds of a group of growers, or 

 if the formalin di-ench method is used, in the purchase of formaldehyde in 

 carboy lots. 



Do not sow seeds too deeply, as many crops fail on this account. 



Do not apply rank manure to soil in which tap-rooted vegetables, 

 such as beet-roots or parsnips, are to be grown. 



It was a far-seeing man who wrote long ago : — " Some day thou 

 shalt know by experience how sad a path it is to be dependent on others." 



It is on rich soils that artificial fertilizers, judiciously used in 

 conjunction and sui^plementing farmyard manures, produce the most 

 profitable results. 



Ofiicial figures state that there are in the United States 21,262,000 

 milch cows, 37,067,000 beef cattle, 49,956,000 sheep, 64,618,000 pigs, 

 and 21,195,000 horses. 



Those farmers not already possessing power would do well to noAV 

 install a suitable oil engine. These work cheaply, and save both time 

 and hand and horse labour. 



Do not forget that crops of peas, beans, onions, carrots, and many 

 others are greatly benefited by light dressing of soot, fowl manure, or 

 nitrate of soda during showery weather. 



Barley is selling in Scotland at a figure that is not within the 

 recollection of the proverbial oldest inhabitant. As much as 6s. 5d., 

 6s. 6d., and 6s. 7d. per bnshel is being paid for the best sampl(>s for 

 distilling purposes. 



A good preparation of the soil is one of the most important elements 

 of success in the introduction of crops. The finer the condition of the 

 soil, the better is the crop able to extract its nourishment. 



It has been calculated that the stoppage of fodder imports into 

 Glermanv will involve a decrease in the supply of meat bv one-half. 

 The mailed fist of the British T^Tavy is hitting the German Tlmpii'e! 



1^0 food is so cheap nor so effective in the feeding of deep-milking 

 cattle as good ])Mstnro. It is only when the pasture is of poor feeding 

 qnalitv is dried np. or is of too rank a growth that sn])ytl<Miioiit;n-y fodder 

 is required. 



