238 



TOBACCO 



in the immediate vicinity of Zomba at an elevation of 

 approximately 3,000 ft. above sea-level. 



From May to September the rainfall rapidly diminishes 

 to nil, and in late October or early November the little 

 rains set in, gradually leading up to the heavy rains of 

 December- January. 



During the period in which tobacco is cultivated the 

 shade temperature fluctuates between 55 and 90 F. ; 

 but, on the average, warmer weather and more sunshine 

 is experienced in December, January, and February than 

 in March, April, and May, the major portion of the crop 

 ripening in the dry, cold, bright weather of April and 

 May. 



Soils. 



The tobacco soils of the Shire Highlands vary from 

 light sandy loams to stiff red clays, and are characterized 

 by being comparatively rich in potash, normal to slightly 

 deficient in phosphates, and poor in nitrogen. 



Two analyses conducted by the Imperial Institute of 

 what the writer considers to be typical tobacco or cotton 

 soils of the Zomba District are herewith appended. 



SAMPLE A. 



* Equivalent to 1,716 Ib. of nitrogen per acre. 



