20 FARMERS' BULLETIN. 



crop. And this has been the experience of tobacco cultivation the world 

 over. Experiments have been tried in tobacco growing in new areas and 

 in a few years, in many cases, have entirely revolutionized the agriculture 

 in certain districts. New areas are constantly being opened up, with 

 results that are very gratifying, even to the most sanguine experimenters. 



In the districts where tobacco cultivation has been carried on for 

 years, no one should be contented with the results obtained, but should 

 by constant experimentation with new seed and improved cultivation 

 endeavor to improve the quality of the crop. Here in the Philippines it 

 is commonly stated that the tobacco grown to-day is inferior to that 

 formerly grown. This is greatly to be regretted, and it should be the 

 especial effort of every planter to produce tobacco not equal to that 

 grown a few years ago, but far superior to the finest crops that were 

 ever harvested. The tobacco markets of the world willingly pay, and pay 

 well, too, for tobacco of a superior quality, whether it is to be used for 

 cigars, cigarettes or manufacturing purposes. The trade does not pay 

 well for common tobacco, for anyone can grow coarse, common tobacco of 

 low grade. The quality of the tobacco must be superior to that formerly 

 grown to command a good price, for tobacco consumers are becoming 

 more fastidious and constantly demand better goods for their money. 



The author is of the opinion that the Philippine Islands can and 

 should produce cigar-filler tobacco that is fully equal to the finest product 

 of the famous Vuelta Aba jo ,. rict of Cuba, and a cigar wrapper equal 

 to Sumatra tobacco. With careful attention to soil and climatic condi- 

 tions, it is believed districts can be found that will raise tobacco similar 

 in flavor and aroma to that grown in the best districts of Turkey. These 

 results can only be obtained, however, by persistent, intelligent, well- 

 directed efforts on the part of the planter. 



Philippine tobacco to-day does not occupy the position it should, and 

 every planter or company engaged in its cultivation should strive to place 

 it on the high standard it deserves. 







