216 TOBACCO. 



than that having now, if never before, to pay wages in 

 some shape to labour, whenever and wherever possible 

 horse-power should be substituted for man-power the 

 plough for the hoe. 



"V. Plant as early as possible after a continuance of 

 pleasant spring weather is assured. Seek to have a 

 forward crop, as the benefits claimed for a late one from 

 the fall dews do not compensate for the many advantages 

 resulting from early maturity. Make it an inflexible rule 

 to plant no tobacco after the 10th of July we mean, of 

 course, in the tobacco belt we have named. Where one 

 good crop is made from later planting ninety-nine prove 

 utter failures. Far better rub out and start afresh the next 

 year. Take pains in transplanting, that little or no re- 

 planting may be necessary. The cut-worm being a prime 

 cause of most of the trouble in securing a stand, hunt it 

 assiduously and particularly in the early morning when 

 it can most readily be found. 



"VI. Keep the grass and weeds down, and the soil 

 loose and mellow by frequent stirring, avoiding as much 

 as possible cutting and tearing the roots of the plant in 

 all stages of its growth, and more especially after topping. 

 When at all practicable and, with the great improve- 

 ment in cultivators, sweeps, and other farm implements, 

 it is oftener practicable than generally supposed substi- 

 tute for hand- work in cultivation that of the horse. The 

 difference in cost will tell in the balance-sheet at the close 

 of the operation. 



" VII. Attend closely to ' worming,' for on it hinges in 

 no little degree the quality and quantity of tobacco you 

 will have for sale. A worm-eaten crop brings no money. 



