xiv 



PEEFACE. 



on the successful practical experience of Col. F. B. 

 Moodie, president of the Florida tobacco growers' associ- 

 ation ; A. Alonzo Cordeiy, vice president of the Cuban 

 tobacco growers' company in Southern Florida, and to 

 Dr. Jenkins' careful studies of the extensive operations 

 with tobacco in Florida. 



It is also to the gentlemen enumerated that we are 

 mainly indebted for the large number of original uhoto- 

 graphs from which the en- 

 gravings for this work have 

 been produced. Pardonable 

 pride is felt in the complete- 

 ness of our illustrations. We 

 especially commend the read- 

 er's attention to the plates 

 illustrating the most perfect 

 plants of the leading varieties 

 of tobacco. These plants were 

 grown specially for this pur- 

 pose by experts, from the 

 finest strains of seed true to 

 the perfected varieties, and 

 are believed to faithfully pre- 

 sent, for the first time in 

 print, truly lifelike portraitures of variety-standards. 

 Even the cursory reader will observe that, after nearly 

 four hundred years of tobacco growing, there is yet much 

 to be learned. The increasing competition in raising 

 this crop in various parts of the world makes it necessary 

 that American tobacco planters employ to the utmost the 

 teachings of practical experience and applied science. 

 This, combined with good management and the closest 

 economy throughout the business, will enable the United 

 States to hold its lead for another century in the world's 

 tobacco markets, besides supplying its own consumption, 

 with the cigar leaf heretofore imported. 



W. SANDERSON, MASS. 



