PEEFACE. 



Ever since the discovery of tobacco it has been the favorite 

 theme of many writers, who have endeavored to shed new light 

 on the origin and early history of this singular plant. Upwards 

 of three hundred volumes have been written, embracing works in 

 nearly all of the languages of Europe, concerning the herb and the 

 various methods of using it. Most writers have confined them- 

 selves to the commercial history of the plant ; while others have 

 written upon its medicinal properties and the various modes of 

 preparing it for use. For this volume the Author only claims 

 that it is at least a more comprehensive treatise on the varieties 

 and cultivation of the plant than any work now extant. A full 

 account of its cultivation is given, not only in America, but also 

 in nearly all of the great tobacco-producing countries of the 

 world. The history of the plant has been carefully and faithfully 

 compiled from the earliest authorities, that portion which relates 

 to its early culture in Virginia being drawn from hitherto unpub- 

 lished sources. Materials for such a work have not been found 

 lacking. European authors abound with allusions to tobacco ; 

 more especially is it true of English writers, who have celebrated 

 its virtues in poetry and song. All along the highways and by- 

 paths of our literature we encounter much that pertains to this 

 " queen of plants." Considered in what light it may, tobacco 

 must be regarded as the most astonishing of the productions of 

 nature, since it has, in the short period of nearly four centuries, 



