27 



Transplantivg. 



So soon as the plants have attained a sufficient size for transplanting, they 

 may be drawn from the bed and placed on the hills whenever there is moisture 

 enough to prevent their dying. This is generally done after a shower; but 

 should the land be very wet it is best to wait until it dries or settles some, as 

 the plant will do better set when the land is not too wet. 



Cultivation of the crop. 



The plant, if it survives the transplanting, will soon commence growing, and 

 requires no attention until the weeds and grass begin to make their appearance, 

 when they must be subdued by the plough and hoe. Should the earth become 

 hard about the plant the hill should be lightly scraped with a hoe. This will 

 greatly promote the growth of the plant. When tlie plant becomes large 

 enough the land may then be deeply and thoroughly ploughed, (taking care not 

 to injure the roots of the plant,) and the plant hilled up by following with hoes 

 and throwing the loose soil around it. In land that has been kept clean this 

 may be the last ploughing; the weeds and +)ushes may be kept down with the 

 hoe, should any appear. 



Managcvient of the growing crop, in topping, leafing, uioryning, ^r. 



When the plant is large enough to top, the leaves nearest the ground are to 

 be broken off and the bud taken out, leaving on the stalk the number designed 

 for the plant. The number of leaves is much a matter of fancy, yet it has 

 more to do in forming the future character of the tobacco than most planters 

 seem apprized of. Experience has fully demonstrated that ten to twelve leaves 

 are sufficient for a plant, and this is almost a universal practice among our best 

 planters. The first plants, if the crop has grown off unevenly, may be placed 

 to twelve leaves; the next topping may be ten; and as the season advances the 

 number may be lessened, as the appearance of the crops and the season indi- 

 cates. This will insure more uniformity in maturing the crop, saves much 

 labor, and adds to its value, making it more uinform in quality. At this stage 

 of the crop the care and attention of the planter is almost constantly required 

 to keep off the worms and insects which prey upon it, and in breaking off the 

 suckers which soon appear upon the stalk at ^\q\y leaf. Ample employment 

 may be afforded to every idler about the premises. 



Harvesting and curing. 



As the plant approaches maturity it begins to thicken, aiid assumes a stiff, 

 sleek, and motley appearance, which the most unpracticed eye will readily de- 

 tect. Should the weather be favorable, (viz., dry,) the first ripe plants may be 

 permitted to remain standing until a sufticient quantity is matured to satisfy the 

 planter in making a regular cutting. If, however, the weather be unpropitious, 

 it is best to cut as fast as it matures, as it is subject to injury under sucli cir- 

 cumstances if sui3t.'red to remain too long. The harvesting of the crop is an 

 important period in its cultivation, and neglect on the part of the planter will 

 bring loss in its future value. In cutting the plant a sharp knife is to be used, 

 and the stalk to be split about half its length, taking care not to break the 

 leaves or otherwise injure them, and the plant to be set with the but of the 

 stalk up, exposed to the sun. So soon as the plant is wilted enough to handle 

 ■without breaking, it should be taken up and laid in a heap of seven to nine in 

 a place, being governed by their size, and hung as soon as pos.sible to pre- 

 vent being scorched by the sun. The after part of the day is best for cutting; 



