14 FARMERS' BULLETIN. 



tain a steady and rapid growth, as any check in the rate of growth tends 

 to thicken the leaf and reduce its elasticity. Stable manures are 

 commonly used, while fertilizers known to be rich in potash are especially 

 to be recommended. In many parts of the United States it is customary 

 to apply specially prepared fertilizers after the plants have attained 

 considerable size, to still further stimulate the growth of the crop. In 

 Sumatra the crop is given three cultivations. The second cultivation is 

 made at the time the plants are about 30 centimeters high. Just before 

 the second cultivation, the coolie carefully removes the lower leaves, 

 places them around the stem, and packs the loose soil on these. At this 

 second cultivation the suckers are broken off and buried in the same 

 way as the leaves, so as to protect the stem. The work of topping and 

 suckering varies considerably, with reference to individual plants and 

 the character of tobacco desired. 



Early or low topping is not desirable, as it throws too much growth 

 into the leaves, making them coarse and large. If the plants are thrifty 

 and the weather favorable for growth, it is frequently advisable, if thin, 

 fine-textured leaves are desired, not to top the plants at all, but let them 

 produce their flowers and seed pods. If, however, the plants seem weak 

 and it appears that they can not mature the full number of leaves, they 

 should be topped by pinch .Eg out the "buttons," allowing to remain as i 

 many leaves as the plant will be able to mature. When plants have been i 

 topped too low and the leaves thicken and curl, a few suckers may be i 

 permitted to grow, which will remedy any thickening and curling. By : 

 using good judgment in the matter of topping and suckering, and 

 making proper allowance as to the soil and climatic conditions, the i 

 leaves can be grown to almost any thickness that is desired. 



From the time the plants begin to grow in the seed bed, until they are \ 

 harvested, they should be examined carefully for worms, insect pests of : 

 all kinds, and all of the diseases which they are subject to. Worms may 

 be removed by hand or by applications of mixtures containing poisonous 

 substances, such as paris green. For diseased plants frequently there is i 

 no other remedy than to remove the plant and reset other plants. But, if 

 the resetting is done too late, the small plants never amount to much. 



At the time of topping, or when the buds have made their appearance, 

 a few plants are usually left for seed. Only the best, finest, and 

 healthiest looking plants are selected for this purpose. These are 

 allowed to grow and blossom at their full height. Sometimes all of the 

 leaves are removed; but, usually, only the bottom leaves are taken off. 

 When ripe, the little balls containing the seed are carefully cut off with 

 a knife or other sharp instrument. The cutting must be done carefully, so 

 that the seed will not fall out. The seed pods are then spread out in the 

 sun and, when thoroughly dried, the seeds can be removed. The seed 

 should be cleaned, preferably in a small seed mill, and only the heaviest 

 seed preserved for the next planting. 



