624 MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES. 



diameter ; the seeds, which are produced iii great abundance, 

 are quite small, of a brownish color, and retain their germi- 

 native properties four years. 



This species is extensively cultivated throughout the Mid- 

 dle and Southern States, and also in the milder portions of 

 New England. In the State of Connecticut, and on the banks 

 of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, it is a staple 

 product ; and in some towns the value of the crop exceeds 

 that of Indian Corn, and even that of all the cereals combined. 



Guatemala A variety with white flowers. In other re- 



Tobacco. m f 



spects, similar to the foregoing. 



Numerous other sorts occur, many of which are local, and 

 differ principally, if not solely, in the size or form of the 

 leaves. One of the most prominent of these is the Broad- 

 leaved, which is considered not only earlier and more pro- 

 ductive, but the best for manufacturing. Also the Oroiioco, 

 with somewhat smaller leaves, and the Japan, intermediate 

 in size and vigor. 



Propagation. It is propagated by seeds sown annually. 

 Select a warm, rich locality in the garden, spade it thor- 

 oughly over, pulverize the surface well, and the last of April, 

 or beginning of May, sow the seeds thinly, broadcast ; cover 

 with a little fresh mould, and press it well upon them either 

 by the hoe or back of the spade. As they are exceedingly 

 minute, much care is requisite in sowing, especially that 

 they should not be too deeply covered. When the plants 

 appear, keep them clear of weeds, and thin them out suffi- 

 ciently to allow a free growth. A bed of seedlings nine or 

 ten feet square will be sufficient for an acre of land. If pre- 

 ferred, the plants may be raised in drills eight inches apart, 

 slightly covering the seeds, and pressing the earth firmly over 

 them as above directed. When the seedlings are four or five 

 inches high, they are ready for transplanting. 



