wanted and the extra time allows the plant to 

 effect a greater elaboration in its cells of the 

 oils and gums, etc., which contribute particu- 

 larly to strength and flavor. 



SHADE GROWN TOBACCO 



The matter of rapid growth has, however, its 

 limitations. Too much sunlight is considered a 

 disadvantage. Under such powerful action, 

 nutrition is drawn quickly from the soil and the 

 plants ripen too quickly. Under such circum- 

 stances the leaves tend to become heavy bodied 

 and not very large in size. To defeat this ten- 

 dency and produce large, thin silky leaves for 

 the cigar trade, the grower sometimes covers 

 his field with a tent of cheese-cloth or similar 

 protection from the glare of the sun. The 

 ripening process is thereby slowed and the 

 leaves are thinner, larger and lighter in shade. 

 This method is employed principally in Cuba, 

 Florida and Connecticut where cigar wrapper 

 leaves are produced, and such tobacco is known 

 as shade-grown. 



Tobacco which has been planted out at the 

 end of May or early in June is usually ready for 

 harvesting at the end of August or beginning to 

 middle of September. The actual time of har- 

 vesting varies a good deal according to the 

 variety grown and the physical condition con- 



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