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CHAPTER IV. 



PKODUCTION AND COMMEKCE. 



DETAILS .concerning the different modes of cultivating 

 and curing, and of the extent of the production and com- 

 merce in tobacco in the various countries, will best be 

 given in the alphabetical order of the countries. 



Afghanistan. The tobacco grown at Kandahar is cele- 

 brated in all the neighbouring states for its mild and 

 agreeable flavour, and is largely exported to Hindustan 

 and Bokhara. Three kinds are grown, viz. : Kandahari, 

 Balkhi, and Mansurabadi. Of these, the last named is 

 the most esteemed, and fetches the highest price, viz. 

 6 Ib. for 2s.-4s. The Kandahari sells for a little less than 

 half this price, and the Balkhi for a little more. The 

 Mansurabadi is not much exported, being mostly con- 

 sumed in the country. The cultivation is conducted with 

 great care, and the same plants yield two crops of leaves 

 in the year. Of these, the first, which is called sargul, is 

 the best, the leaves having a mild and sweet flavour ; it 

 is mostly consumed by the wealthy classes, or exported. 

 The second crop is called mundhai: the leaves have a 

 tough and fibrous texture, and a strong acrid taste ; it is 

 usually smoked by the poor people, and is also made into 

 snuff. The plants are raised from seed in small beds, 

 prepared for the purpose by careful manuring with wood- 

 ashes and stable-refuse mixed together. From these 

 nurseries, the young plants are transplanted into the 



