354 BOARD OF AGllICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



TOBACCO CULTURE. 



BY C. F. FOWLER OF WESTFIELD. 



In entering upon the discussion of the cultivation of tobacco 

 let it not be supposed for one moment that I have thought 

 that I could instruct an old grower of tobacco, or even 

 direct a new one, so that he might grow a satisfactory crop 

 every time. These things come not by the telling, but are 

 learned only from that old and incorrigible schoolmaster, 

 experience. 



Every one that enters into this lousiness will find that 

 "toilsome days and weary nights are appointed unto him," 

 and will often wish he never had seen a tobacco plant ; and 

 although the backaches of the past may be dispensed with 

 by the machine setters of the present, yet continual watch- 

 fulness and care will ever remain with the grower as a 

 necessity for the production of a good crop. 



A mistake in the selection of his ground or a neglect in its 

 cultivation and care can often only be known at the season's 

 end, when the crop is ready for market, and can never be 

 remedied ; for a tobacco plant must never stop growing after 

 once started until it is cut from the ground, and just so 

 surely as it does it will show in color or texture, no matter 

 what the cause is, whether too much moisture or not enough 

 moisture, a lack of fertility or lack of care ; in fact, anj^thing 

 that checks or stops growth is sure to manifest itself in the 

 end ; and not only in the field but in the sheds also must 

 this ever watchfulness be continued. 



To give just the light, air and moisture that will bring out 

 the liest and most even colors, to prevent pole sweat and 

 white veins, and give to the leaf the best possible finish and 

 elasticity — to accomplish these results as far as possible the 



