THE CULTIVATION OF THE TOBACCO 

 PLANT 



A few general facts concerning the culture of 

 the tobacco plant and its treatment until it 

 reaches the hands of the manufacturers will be 

 of interest for the smoker. 



The general principles underlying the culture 

 of tobacco are the same whether it is intended 

 for the cigar, pipe smoking or cigarette trade; 

 but the treatment of the leaf after it is har- 

 vested differs considerably. 



Tobacco is a perennial plant. It is, however, 

 usually raised each year from seed. The seed- 

 lings are usually ready for planting towards the 

 end of May and are generally planted between 

 the last week in May and the middle of June. 



The successful raising of tobacco depends on 

 four principal factors: (1) the climate, (2) the 

 nature of the soil, (3) the seed, and (4) on the 

 method of culture. 



The climate must be such as to favor rapid 

 growth and therefore must furnish sufficient 

 heat and moisture during the time the plant is 

 growing. The fineness of the texture and the 

 elasticity of the leaf depend on the climate. 



On the soil the plant depends for its food, 

 and for the absorption of those chemical con- 



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